Massive NYC building collapse leaves at least 2 dead, over a dozen injured — including 7 kids — as FDNY searches through rubble

A Brooklyn building collapsed into a massive pile of rubble Wednesday – leaving at least two dead and four critically injured as dramatic images showed firefighters scrambling over the debris to locate more victims, officials said.

Loved ones made desperate calls for help after the three-story apartment building at Newkirk and Flatbush Avenues fell at around 4 p.m., witnesses said.

“My family, man. Oh man. My two kids,” teary-eyed building resident Anderson Velez, 35, told The Post.

Velez said he had been working in the Bronx when his wife called and said she and their two young kids, 7 and 2, were caught under the building’s wreckage. 

“She called me when the building collapsed while she was inside with rubble on top of her. She was screaming for someone to help get my son out and then the call cut off,” the distraught dad said. 

Velez said that his family was rescued and is expected to be OK. 

First responders also pulled a pregnant woman from the rubble.

“She’s alive. She’s still alive. I’m very happy. I’m very happy,” the woman’s relieved partner said through tears, noting she is six weeks pregnant.

Construction had been ongoing at a site next door to the fallen building, according to locals and city records.

Heartstopping images show the aftermath of the collapse, with a pile of the building’s structural elements covering the ground where it once stood. 

Witness Anthony Griggs, 21, said he was walking home from work when he heard “two big bangs” – just before the building fell down.

“A couple of bricks fell by my foot. I got hit by one, but it’s ok. I’m ok,” Griggs said.

The FDNY said that multiple people were trapped under the rubble, as photos from the scene show firefighters carrying a bloodied man away.

Two people were pulled from the destruction and pronounced dead on the scene by EMS, according to authorities, while four other people were taken to local hospitals in critical condition.

A dozen others were hospitalized in stable condition and one firefighter suffered minor injuries.

Seven children were among the victims, however it’s unclear their conditions.

Dozens of firefighters, aided by search dogs, were scouring the rubble for anyone who may still be trapped late into Wednesday night.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani urged New Yorkers to join him “in holding our neighbors and the members of this community in our hearts.”

“First responders are on the scene of a building collapse on Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn, where they are working quickly to secure the location and assist New Yorkers,” he said in a statement posted to X.

“We will be sharing what we learn as soon as we can confirm it.”

Additional reporting by David DeTurris.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.