Investigation Begins After Deadly Flatbush Building Collapse

The building at 1321 Flatbush Avenue fell into an adjacent construction site shortly after 4 p.m. on November 11. Eight people, including two children, died, and 18 were injured, among them four firefighters. The victims ranged in age from 8 to 31.

The FDNY wrapped up its search effort during the afternoon of November 12, after crews removed the rubble and confirmed no additional victims were at the location. The Department of Buildings and NYPD then assumed control while investigators started looking into the collapse. Their inquiry is expected to consider excavation work at the neighboring site, along with the properties’ histories and the companies involved. No cause has been publicly established.

Community groups and elected officials are organizing donations and financial help for people displaced by the collapse. The Flatbush YMCA, at 1401 Flatbush Avenue, is accepting gift cards and unopened toiletries and is also serving as a reception center with the American Red Cross. As of 6 a.m. on November 13, the Red Cross had signed up eight households—16 adults and six children—to receive emergency aid, such as temporary lodging.

Brooklyn Org and the National Grid Foundation each committed $25,000 toward relief and recovery. Traffic cannot use Flatbush Avenue from Clarendon Road to Bedford Avenue, and several bus routes are detoured. Water service has been restored to nearby buildings that were not directly affected. Officials urged people to avoid the site and directed those seeking information about loved ones to call 311, or 212-639-9675 from outside New York City.