Anthony Griggs Struck by Brick in Fatal Brooklyn Building Collapse on Flatbush Avenue, Reported November 11, 2026

Two people died when a three-story apartment building collapsed into an adjoining excavation near Newkirk and Flatbush avenues in Brooklyn, New York City, according to information reported on November 11, 2026.

FDNY Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore said four people were hospitalized in critical condition and 12 in stable condition. A firefighter was treated for minor injuries. Seven children were among the victims, though their individual injuries were not specified. Officials did not provide the ages of those killed.

Buildings Commissioner Ahmed Tigani said construction crews had been excavating the neighboring site when the building fell, trapping residents and workers. Witnesses placed the collapse at about 4 p.m. The cause remained under investigation.

Anthony Griggs, 21, said he was walking home from work when he heard two bangs before the collapse. He reported being struck by a brick and said he was OK.

Resident Anderson Velez, 35, said he was working in the Bronx when his wife called from beneath the debris with their children, ages 7 and 2. He said all three were rescued and expected to be OK. Rescuers also brought out a woman whose partner said she was six months pregnant and alive.

More than 250 FDNY personnel responded. Firefighters, NYPD Emergency Services Unit members and search dogs searched the debris into the night. Bonsignore said officials did not know how many people remained in the collapse zone and expected the operation to continue for days.

FDNY Chief of Department John Esposito described unstable conditions at the site. Crews worked cautiously because disturbing the debris could trigger another collapse.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani said the city Department of Buildings and law enforcement agencies were investigating what caused the building to fall. No investigation findings were provided in the available account. Gov. Kathy Hochul said the state had offered assistance.

Displaced residents were taken to a local YMCA, where the Red Cross helped arrange overnight accommodations. The organization registered 12 adults and three children from six households. Across the street, Bethesda Church of God in Christ opened its doors to people affected by the collapse, and its pastor, Reverend Alfred Joseph, prayed with families awaiting news.