At least two people have been killed after a “devastating” building collapse in Brooklyn, New York City’s mayor has said.
Zohran Mamdani said fire crews responded within one minute of the first 911 call.
Footage from news helicopters showed hundreds of rescuers scouring debris for survivors – and appearing to use a saw to cut through the wreckage.
“This has been an incredibly challenging and fast-moving situation – with precarious wreckage to navigate and dangerous voids beneath the surface,” Mr Mamdani said.
Crews were seen pulling someone from the rubble of the three-storey building and placing them on a stretcher, passing them carefully from person to person.
Four of the injured are in a critical condition.
More than 250 firefighters were deployed to the scene – and it is unclear how many people remain trapped
New York City fire commissioner Lillian Bonsignore said: “This will be a prolonged operation. Its cause is under investigation.”
Seven children and a firefighter were among the 17 injured.
Firefighters scour debris for people trapped under the rubble. Pic: Reuters
Mr Mamdani added: “I want to ask New Yorkers to please take a moment to pray for those who passed away today and all of those who are mourning their loss, as well as for a fast and full recovery for all those who were injured.”
The collapse happened close to where another structure had been torn down for a construction project.
A building that shared a wall with the collapsed property remains standing but exposed – exposing bedrooms and closets filled with clothing.
As darkness fell, crews deployed sniffer dogs and used flashlights to illuminate the area where they worked.
“The units are proposing dangerous and heroic work,” Ms Bonsignore said.
John Esposito, the fire service’s chief of department, said crews encountered the scene while returning from another emergency – and immediately took action.
“We continue to search any void spaces looking for any victims, and we’ve removed a few from that collapse area,” he told a news conference.
Mr Esposito added that there is concern of a second collapse – and firefighters will be on the scene for several days until they are confident no one else is trapped.
Source: News.sky.com
