1 dead, at least 12 hurt as Flatbush building collapses into construction site next door

One person was killed and at least a dozen others were hurt Wednesday afternoon when part of a three-story building in Flatbush, Brooklyn, collapsed into an open construction site next door, according to the FDNY. Rescuers were still digging through the rubble into the evening.

The collapse happened just after 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 11. The FDNY said the building at 1321 Flatbush Ave., which had a store on the ground floor and at least one apartment upstairs, fell into a construction site at 2625 Bedford Ave., ABC7 reported. Part of the corner building at 1323 Flatbush Ave. was also sheared away, leaving apartments exposed, though that building was still standing. Early reports from amNY, citing FDNY sources, gave the address as 1325 Flatbush Ave. and said it was the rear of the building that came down; the station's account follows the FDNY's latest figures.

Victims and rescue

Firefighters pronounced one person dead at the scene. By early evening, officials said at least 12 people were injured: six in critical condition and six with less serious injuries, according to ABC7's live coverage. Most of the injured were construction workers, along with some residents. Earlier counts were lower, and the numbers could change as the search goes on. The victims have not been publicly identified.

At about 6:33 p.m., firefighters pulled a woman from the rubble. A man outside the scene had told reporters his pregnant wife was inside the building; officials had not confirmed whether the rescued woman was her or what condition she was in, ABC7 said. PIX11 reported that the building was a mixed-use structure and that citizen video captured the collapse.

What we don't know yet

Officials have not said what caused the collapse or what work was under way at the Bedford Avenue site. ABC7 reported that the building had a violation in April that was later resolved; it did not say what the violation was for. Department of Buildings inspectors are at the scene helping with the recovery and checking whether nearby buildings are structurally sound.

If you live nearby

• Reception center: NYC Emergency Management and the Red Cross opened a center for affected residents at the Flatbush YMCA, 1401 Flatbush Ave.
• Streets: The NYPD asked people to avoid the area around Flatbush and Bedford avenues. Expect street closures and traffic delays, and use other routes.

Rep. Yvette Clarke, who represents the area, said her office was monitoring the situation and staying in touch with Community Board 17, amNY reported. This story will be updated as officials release more information.