Brooklyn Building Collapse Kills Two, Pregnant Woman Rescued Alive

A three-story building collapsed in Flatbush, Brooklyn, on Wednesday afternoon, trapping several people under the rubble. The structure at 1321 Flatbush Avenue fell onto an adjacent construction lot at 2625 Bedford Avenue, between Newkirk and Flatbush avenues.

The New York City Fire Department reported the emergency shortly after 4:00 p.m. local time and launched a large-scale technical rescue operation. Dozens of firefighters worked at the site, removing debris by hand and with heavy machinery.

“My wife! She is alive. She is still alive. I am very happy, I am very happy. I thank everyone.”

Authorities confirmed that two people were killed and four others were critically injured. Twelve additional people were in stable condition, and one firefighter suffered minor injuries. Some of the injured were taken to Kings County Hospital.

Rescuers pulled a pregnant woman alive from the rubble shortly after 6:30 p.m. Her husband had been seen on live television desperately trying to get past police to reach her before learning she was alive.

Public Advocate Jumaane Williams joined the husband and other family members at the scene. He later confirmed that both the woman and her baby were doing well and that she was six months pregnant.

The husband broke down in tears upon realizing his wife was alive and receiving medical attention. He told cameras, "My wife! She is alive. She is still alive. I am very happy, I am very happy. I thank everyone."