Eight dead, 17 injured as building collapses in New York

Detailed summary

At least eight people have died, and 17 others have been injured after a three-storey residential building collapsed in ...

At least eight people have died, and 17 others have been injured after a three-storey residential building collapsed in Brooklyn, New York, triggering an overnight rescue operation as emergency workers searched through the rubble for survivors.

Zohran Mamdani, New York City Ma, confirmed the casualties in a statement on Thursday, saying three firefighters were among the injured. Four of those hurt were in critical condition and had been taken to hospital, according to the city’s fire department.

“I am heartbroken that eight New Yorkers have now lost their lives and at least 17 have been injured, including three firefighters. There are no words for a loss of this magnitude,” Mamdani said.

Rescue operations continued as firefighters and emergency personnel searched the wreckage under dangerous conditions for anyone who might still be trapped. Footage from the scene showed emergency workers pulling a survivor from the debris on a stretcher.

The collapse occurred at about 4pm local time on Wednesday, leaving much of the building destroyed. Witnesses described hearing a loud explosion-like sound before residents began screaming.

“I live literally right behind the building. It sounded like a big bo,om and you just heard a bunch of screaming,” Emmanuella Carilus told The New York Times.

Another witness, identified only as Dashik, told local television station PIX11: “I’ve never seen anything like this.”

Among those rescued was a six-month pregnant woman. Her husband expressed relief after learning she had survived the collapse.

“She is alive. She is still alive. I’m very happy. I’m very happy. I’m very happy. I thank all of you guys. She’s pregnant, six months,” he told CBS News New York.

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