Eight people died after a three-story apartment building in Brooklyn collapsed into a neighboring construction site on Wednesday afternoon. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani confirmed the death toll on Thursday morning as rescue operations continued into the day.

The structure at 1321 Flatbush Avenue in the Flatbush neighborhood gave way around 4 p.m. on Wednesday and fell into an excavation pit next door. The 1930-era mixed-use building housed multiple residents when it tumbled, officials said. Fire Department of New York crews responded immediately and have worked through the night with more than 250 first responders using drones, search dogs, and heavy equipment.

At least 17 people suffered injuries, including three firefighters, with four in critical condition. Authorities noted that seven children were among the casualties, though it remains unclear how many children were killed. A pregnant woman was among those rescued from the debris.

Rescue efforts face significant challenges due to unstable rubble and voids beneath the surface. Fire officials described the operation as dangerous and prolonged, with searches expected to continue for several days. The cause of the collapse is under investigation, but excavation work was underway at the adjoining site at the time.

Mayor Mamdani expressed condolences in a statement, noting the heartbreak over the loss of New Yorkers and the ongoing risks to responders. One construction worker, Jose Luis Caguana, was identified among the dead. City records show the collapsed property last sold in 2024.

Emergency crews have pulled survivors and additional bodies from the wreckage overnight. Officials urged the public to avoid the area while operations proceed.