Building collapses in Flatbush, Brooklyn; at least two dead and dozens hurt

A three‑story building in the Flatbush neighborhood of Brooklyn collapsed into an adjacent excavation site on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, killing at least two people and injuring dozens, city officials said.

Officials reported that at least two people died and 17 others were treated for injuries, four of them in critical condition. Rescuers pulled survivors from the wreckage during hours of work at the scene. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/202ddc195fbf2dcf14e85d004f3ac130?utm_source=openai))

Large technical rescue and continuing search

The Fire Department (FDNY) mounted a major technical rescue response involving more than 250 firefighters and emergency-medical personnel who searched for anyone still trapped under the debris. Crews continued careful work through unstable rubble; one firefighter suffered only minor injuries. FDNY officials said the rescue operation was expected to be prolonged because of dangerous voids and precarious conditions in the collapse zone. ([sotwe.com](https://www.sotwe.com/fdny?lang=en&utm_source=openai))

The collapse occurred just after 4:00 p.m. local time near the intersection of Flatbush and Bedford Avenues, when the older masonry building fell into an adjacent construction and excavation site. City building inspectors and investigators have opened an inquiry; investigators noted that excavation work was underway at the neighboring lot when the structure came down. ([abc7ny.com](https://abc7ny.com/live-updates/brooklyn-building-collapse-live-updates-1-dead-flatbush/20034152/entry/20034219/?utm_source=openai))

Property records show the collapsed structure at 1321 Flatbush Avenue was built in 1930. Officials have closed streets in the immediate area while they secure nearby buildings and continue search operations. ([propertyshark.com](https://www.propertyshark.com/mason/Property/248864/1321-Flatbush-Ave-Brooklyn-NY-11226/?utm_source=openai))

Mayor Zohran Mamdani visited the scene and praised the speed and professionalism of first responders as crews worked late into the evening to recover victims and check surrounding properties. City agencies urged residents to avoid the area while the emergency response remains active. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/202ddc195fbf2dcf14e85d004f3ac130?utm_source=openai))

Photo: press material from the event