Overview
- The collapse happened just after 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 11, when a three‑story building at 1321 Flatbush Avenue fell into an adjacent excavation and tore away part of 1323 Flatbush Avenue.
- FDNY reported two deaths and 19 patients treated, including multiple critically injured people and several children, while firefighters pulled survivors from the rubble during a prolonged technical rescue.
- More than 250 fire and EMS personnel, specialized rescue teams, K‑9 units and drones have been working the scene and officials warn searches and structural checks could continue for days.
- City records show a demolition contractor received a stop‑work violation at the neighboring lot earlier this year that is now listed as resolved, and the Department of Buildings and the Brooklyn district attorney are jointly investigating.
- Experts say deep excavation next to older foundations can destabilize adjacent buildings if protections fail, and the incident will likely intensify scrutiny of construction safeguards and enforcement in the neighborhood.