Investigators are examining the building collapse NYC residents woke up to Thursday, looking at the structure's age and months of construction next door.

A 96-year-old building at 1321 Flatbush Ave, Brooklyn collapsed on Wednesday, killing two people and injuring at least 17 people. Investigators now need to search through the wreckage to find out the cause of the incident which has become a high priority for NYC officials as the building's collapse has shocked the community.

At a glance: A building collapsed in Flatbush on November 11, 2026. The FDNY were the first to be called at 4.01pm. Two people have been killed. The cause is unknown and the city's Department of Buildings alongside law enforcement is investigating.

What happened?

The back of the three-storey building collapsed onto an open construction site on Bedford Avenue. The building which was a mix of residential and commercial units had apartments above.

FDNY Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore said that seven children were among those injured. She added: "We do not know how many people are still in the collapse zone."

Who is investigating?

The Department of Buildings alongside law enforcement partners will lead the investigation into the incident as it has been described as devastating by Mayor Zohran Mamdani.

Attention is turning to the neighbour. City records show that the area has been undergoing demolition and construction work for months. They said that excavation was taking place at the site.

"There’s always risks involved when you’re excavating next to older buildings. There is always issues with stability." Glenn Corbett, an expert in construction safety from John Jay College, who hasn’t investigated the site said.

Have there been previous violations?

Eyewitness News couldn’t find any building violations relating to the site of the collapsed building. This makes it more difficult for investigators. They won’t be able to find out the cause from just checking records.

How long will the rescue take?

Officials have warned that the rescue could take several days as the area is unstable and there is a risk of a second collapse. Laura Kavanagh, former FDNY Commissioner told WNYC that weather forecasts for Thursday could make it more complicated.

More to Know

  • The FDNY were the first to be called at 4.01pm on Wednesday.

  • Two people were killed with at least 17 injured.

  • Four patients are in critical condition.

  • The building was 96-years-old.

  • The rescue crews are having to work in unstable conditions with a risk of second collapse.

  • Council Member Farah Louis said the scene was "chaotic".

Two lives have been lost and families have been displaced. One question remains, what caused a nearly 100-year-old building to collapse? The investigators will have to look through the wreckage, construction records and with the city’s attention they will find out. However, Business Fortune believes, this will take time, and rescue efforts come first.

FAQ

1. What caused the building in Brooklyn to collapse?

The Department of Buildings and law enforcement are investigating.

2. How many people died in the building collapse in Flatbush?

Two people were killed and at least 17 injured.

3. Where did the building collapse in Brooklyn?

Flatbush and Bedford Avenues in Flatbush.

4. When did the building collapse in NYC?

Wednesday, November 11, 2026. The FDNY were called at 4.01pm.

5. Were there any violations at the building?

ABC7’s Eyewitness News couldn’t find any building violations relating to the site.

Sources

ABC7 New York · ABC7 live updates · CNN · Gothamist · amNY