Building Collapse in Brooklyn Leaves One Dead and Ten Injured

A three-story building in the Flatbush neighborhood of Brooklyn collapsed around 4 p.m. on Wednesday, killing one person and injuring ten, four of them seriously, according to a fire department official. The structure housed a ground-level store and at least one residential unit above.

Firefighters worked through the evening, using drones and flashlights to locate victims as daylight faded. One victim was pulled from the rubble and placed on a stretcher for evacuation.

The New York City Department of Buildings is investigating the incident, noting that a construction site adjacent to the collapsed building had previously operated as an adult day-care center before becoming vacant.

"They were waiting for a permit to build affordable housing. We don’t know the details in terms of why the building collapsed but all I know is it’s been probably neglected," said New York State Rep. Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, whose office is nearby.

The investigation continues as officials assess the cause of the collapse.