At Least Eight Dead in Brooklyn Building Collapse as Search Continues

Rescuers continue search

November 12, 2026, 7:48 a.m. Central time.

At least eight people have died after a three-story building collapsed in Brooklyn’s Flatbush neighborhood, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said Thursday, according to the Associated Press.

Firefighters continued searching the wreckage for people who might remain trapped after the building fell Wednesday afternoon. Mamdani said at least 17 people were injured, including three firefighters. The figures could change as the response continues.

What officials have said

The building came down Wednesday afternoon near Flatbush and Bedford avenues. The FDNY said it responded at 4:01 p.m. Eastern to a three-story building that had collapsed into an adjacent construction site.

City Buildings Commissioner Ahmed Tigani said construction workers were excavating the neighboring lot when the building fell, AP reported. Officials are investigating the cause; the nearby excavation does not by itself establish what caused the collapse.

The rescue effort

About 250 firefighters worked at the scene, Mamdani said. Teams used dogs and equipment to search the debris, according to AP.

Rescuers removed rubble from the site as they looked for people who may still be trapped. The mayor said three firefighters were among at least 17 people injured.

Editor’s note

This article was updated November 12 after the mayor reported at least eight deaths. Earlier versions reported two and then five deaths as officials revised the toll.

Timeline

November 11, 4:01 p.m. Eastern: FDNY says it responded to the collapse. Wednesday evening: Officials reported two deaths. Early November 12: FDNY confirmed five deaths to AP. Later November 12: The mayor reported at least eight deaths, according to AP.