No fewer than eight New Yorkers have died after a three-story building collapsed on Wednesday in Brooklyn, New York, USA.
In a statement, New York City’s mayor Zohran Mamdani says at least 17 more people, including three firefighters, have been injured.
Mamdani says he is “heartbroken that eight New Yorkers” have died in the incident.
In a post on X, Mandani said, “Rescue workers have spent the night searching the site of yesterday’s building collapse, working under extremely dangerous conditions to find and save anyone who may still be trapped.
“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.
“My heart is with the families and loved ones of those we have lost, those who are injured and everyone grieving today. Rescue operations are ongoing.
“Please stay clear of the area and keep those affected, and our first responders risking their lives in these efforts, in your thoughts. If you are unable to reach someone you believe may have been affected by the collapse, please call 311. If you are outside New York City, call 212-639-9675″, added the Mayor of New York.
The city’s fire department says four of the injured are in hospital in a critical condition
Rescue efforts are ongoing, as images show dozens of emergency workers continuing to scour the wreckage
An investigation is under way to establish what caused the building, which contained apartments, to suddenly collapse
