NYC building collapse: Timeline of deadly disaster as rescuers race to pull survivors from rubble

The collapse occurred at 4:01 p.m. when the three-story mixed-use building fell into an excavation pit at a neighboring construction site at 2625 Bedford Ave. The impact also damaged 1323 Flatbush Ave., exposing apartments and stairwells. Firefighters reached the scene within a minute, as some were already in the area.

By 4:30 p.m., reports confirmed people were trapped beneath the rubble, prompting the FDNY to launch a major rescue operation. The Department of Buildings had previously issued a stop work order in March for the property after inspectors found developers had demolished the existing building without proper shielding to neighboring properties.

Rescue efforts continue

Rescue operations intensified throughout the evening, with firefighters making significant progress. At 6:15 p.m., they found a conscious woman trapped beneath the rubble after breaking through a collapsed wall. Moments later, a man reported that his pregnant wife had survived the collapse after being taken to an ambulance.

Investigation begins

Mayor Zohran Mamdani confirmed the rising death toll, which reached eight by Thursday morning, with at least 17 people injured, including three firefighters. The collapse has raised serious questions about construction safety regulations and oversight in the city.

Developers at the neighboring site held active permits for excavation and foundation work as part of plans to erect a new three-story building. Authorities are expected to launch a full investigation into the causes of the collapse and whether previous violations contributed to the disaster.