NEW YORK — At least eight people died after a three-story Brooklyn building collapsed beside a construction site, Mayor Zohran Mamdani said Thursday, as emergency crews continued searching the rubble.
At least 17 people were injured, including three firefighters, according to Mamdani. Spectrum News NY1 later reported that the Fire Department counted 19 injured people as of 8 a.m., including four in critical condition.
About 250 firefighters and police officers worked through the night, The Associated Press reported. Crews used search dogs, power tools and excavators while looking for people who might remain trapped.
Firefighters pulled several survivors from the debris, including a pregnant woman rescued Wednesday night, according to AP. The three-story property held apartments above commercial space and fell into an excavation pit next door.
Heavy rain forecast for Thursday afternoon could make the rescue operation more difficult. Fire Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore told WNYW-TV that crews would continue working through the rain if necessary.
Cause remains under investigation
The city Department of Buildings is investigating why the structure fell. Buildings Commissioner Ahmed Tigani said workers were excavating the adjacent lot when the collapse occurred, but officials have not determined whether that work caused it.
City records cited by AP show inspectors issued a stop-work order in March after finding demolition work lacked adequate protection for neighboring properties. Inspectors found work had resumed in violation of that order in April.
Officials allowed work to continue in May after the cited problems were corrected. The developers held active permits for excavation and foundation work, according to the Buildings Department.
The architect, property owner and general contractor listed in city records had not responded to AP’s requests for comment. Buildings inspectors and engineers remained at the scene Thursday to assist rescuers and examine the collapse.
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