AI-generated illustration; not a photograph of the reported event.
- calendar_today November 12, 2026
Flatbush Building Collapse Sparks Investigation
An investigation is underway after the catastrophic collapse of a 96-year-old building at 1321 Flatbush Ave. in Brooklyn that claimed two lives and injured at least 17 others on Wednesday night. Authorities are focusing on the building's history and the construction and demolition activities that had been underway next door for several months.
History of the Site and Recent Construction
City records indicate ongoing demolition and construction work adjacent to the collapsed structure. Google Maps imagery and aerial video from NewsCopter 7 reveal that a commercial building once stood at the neighboring construction site, but recent images show it has been replaced by rubble. This adjacent activity has become a central line of inquiry in the collapse probe.
Expert Concerns Over Stability and Retaining Walls
Construction safety expert Glenn Corbett of John Jay College, who has not directly investigated the site, highlighted potential risks associated with excavation near older buildings. Corbett noted, "When you go and dig next to these kind of buildings, there's always an issue of stability." He pointed out that the design and installation of retaining walls or shores to support the perimeters of excavation sites are frequently scrutinized during collapse investigations.
Corbett suggested investigators will examine if these supports were constructed correctly, stating, "What was it not built correctly with the size of the members, the wood panels not large enough... if there was steel involved, which I believe there was, was that not up to speed as far as what's required?"
City Records and Safety Violations
Records from the Department of Buildings show that in April, a summons was issued to the Bedford Avenue construction site. A stop-work order was reportedly violated and later resolved. The blueprints for the adjacent lot called for a mixed-use building with retail, medical, and residential spaces.
Despite these findings for the construction site, no building violations were found for 1321 Flatbush Ave., where the collapse occurred. However, the proximity of the major demolition and construction activities continues to draw city officials' attention as they seek answers.
Investigation Status and Contractor Statements
Eyewitness News contacted the contractor who received the April summons for the neighboring construction. The contractor stated his company had completed demolition work and left the site by late April or early May, and claimed no knowledge of the current condition of the supports (shores) at the time of collapse.
As the investigation proceeds, Corbett emphasized the importance of understanding the underlying cause of the tragedy, "They've got to find out why did that happen? And do we need to change the rules?" The official inquiry remains ongoing, with city leaders and residents awaiting further information to determine any need for policy or code changes aimed at preventing future incidents.
Source: abc7ny.com.
