Overview
- A three-story building in Flatbush collapsed onto a neighboring excavation while workers were digging on Wednesday evening, leaving two people dead and 17 injured, including seven children.
- More than 250 rescuers are on site conducting a lengthy search that officials say is hampered by unstable debris and dangerous voids under the surface.
- Responders are using drones, search dogs and cutting tools to look for survivors and retrieve victims as crews warn the operation will take many hours to complete.
- City officials say the cause of the collapse is unknown and under active investigation after witnesses reported trembling and a loud, explosion-like sound before the structure fell.
- Municipal records show the building dates to 1930 and developers had permission for three stories while seeking approval to build up to nine, a permit history that officials say they will examine as part of a potential safety and liability review.