FLATBUSH, Brooklyn (WABC) — Investigators are seeking answers following a deadly building collapse on Flatbush Avenue that killed eight people, including two children and two construction workers, and injured firefighters and civilians.
The search for victims was called off Thursday at 2:30 p.m., after almost 24 hours. Crews have since begun removing debris and, in some cases, sorting it as the investigation continues.
Authorities are reviewing building permits, construction records and stop work orders related to the site.
City officials confirmed that the developers had applied for a permit to build a nine-story building on the site, but were granted a permit for three stories.
“The nine-story plan is something they are looking for, not what they were approved for,” said Ahmed Tigani, commissioner of the New York City Department of Buildings.
Questions emerged about whether cracks in the building’s walls had been ignored before the collapse and whether at least one stop-work order had been ignored.
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The collapse happened around 4 p.m. Wednesday. Firefighters responded to the scene and rescued several residents and construction workers within minutes. Authorities said eight people died, including two children, two construction workers and four other adults. Four firefighters and 14 civilians were injured.
Community leaders and elected officials joined residents at an emotional news conference near the site Friday morning, mourning the victims and calling for accountability.
“To all the family members at this location from 1321 to 1327 Flatbush Avenue, we are praying for you and we stand with you,” said Council Member Farah Louis. “My office is here alongside my colleagues, city agencies and community partners, to ensure you get the shelter you need, the help you need and the resources you need to rebuild.”
Residents also spoke about their experiences before and after the collapse, including that of a child who was desperately looking for her cat.
“When I got home and saw what happened to my house, the first thing I thought about was my cat. He was inside and I tried to get under the tape to try to leave. I was going to go get him, but I realized I didn’t know what I was going to face. And before all this happened, we felt safe in our building, like it started shaking when they were working and stuff. So, and I really hope they come and get our cat because he’s safe inside the house now.”
“And they said they went into the house to try to find him, but I don’t think they really did. He’s hiding from them and I think he’s afraid of him. And I really want them to come and get our cat.”
Speaking at a news conference Friday, a child desperately pleaded for her cat to be found after a Brooklyn building collapsed.
There was a mix of grief and anger in the Flatbush neighborhood Friday as residents continued to deal with the tragedy and search for answers about what led to the collapse.
Officials said Mayor Zohran Mamdani ordered a broader investigation into companies involved in the construction project. The investigation will examine about half a dozen businesses and 160 sites across the city as scrutiny of the collapse intensifies.
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