A partial building collapse in Brooklyn left multiple construction workers injured and trapped beneath rubble Wednesday afternoon, triggering a major rescue operation by the New York City Fire Department (FDNY).
The collapse occurred shortly after 4 p.m. near the intersection of Bedford Avenue and Flatbush Avenue in the Flatbush neighborhood, along Bedford Avenue between Newkirk Avenue and Flatbush Avenue.
At least 8 construction workers were injured, including 3 in critical condition, according to ABC7NY. Some of the injured were transported to Kings County Hospital, although their conditions have not been disclosed.
The FDNY said 2 people were pulled from the rubble shortly after the collapse. Firefighters remain in communication with another person who is still trapped beneath the debris as rescue crews work to reach them.
Multiple emergency teams responded to the scene, with dozens of firefighters taking part in the technical rescue operation. Aerial footage showed crews searching through the collapsed structure.
The cause of the collapse remains unknown, and authorities have not released further details about what led to the structure giving way.
New York City’s Office of Emergency Management (OEM) urged people to avoid the area, warning of road closures and traffic delays as rescue operations continue.