A building in Brooklyn's Flatbush neighborhood collapsed at about 4pm on Wednesday, leaving eight people dead and at least 17 injured, including three firefighters and four in critical condition.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani shared his condolences and urged everyone to avoid the area so rescue teams, about 250 FDNY responders, can keep working safely.
Flatbush rescuers use drones dogs equipment
Rescue crews are using drones, dogs, and heavy equipment to search for survivors in the debris.
The city's department of housing, preservation, and development has recorded almost 100 violations at the collapsed building dating to 1972.
With rain and storms expected soon, there's extra urgency to find anyone still trapped.
Meanwhile, displaced residents have found temporary shelter at Bethesda Church as officials look into what went wrong.