Brooklyn building collapse leaves at least two dead and 17 injured

The collapse happened on Wednesday 11 November 2026 in central Brooklyn, an area made up mostly of residential buildings. According to the New York City Fire Department (FDNY), as reported by Polish news outlets, at least two people died and 17 were injured.

The first emergency call came shortly after 4 pm local time, around 10 pm in Poland. Earlier reports cited one death and nine injured. Later figures, given by the fire department, were higher.

Rescue operation

Seven of the injured are children. Four are in critical condition, 12 are stable, and one firefighter suffered minor injuries. Crews searched the rubble using saws, search dogs and drones, and injured people were carried out on stretchers.

At least four people had been pulled from the rubble. Officials have not ruled out that more people are trapped, so the search continues.

What we know about the site

The ground floor of the collapsed building housed a shop, and at least one flat was on the upper floor. Next to it, earthworks and excavations were under way on a construction site where a single-storey building had been demolished earlier. The collapse exposed the interior of a neighbouring building, and part of its wall was torn away.

Inspectors from the New York City Department of Buildings are checking the stability of nearby structures and helping with the rescue. The cause of the collapse has not been established, and the investigation is ongoing.

Authorities asked residents and drivers to avoid the junction of Flatbush Avenue and Bedford Avenue. Street closures and traffic disruption are in place in the area.