Rescuers recovered a fifth body from the rubble of a collapsed Brooklyn building early Thursday as crews continued their urgent search for possible survivors more than 12 hours after the disaster.
At least 19 people were injured, including four in critical condition, after part of the three-story structure gave way and fell into an adjoining open construction site in Flatbush shortly after 4 p.m. Wednesday, according to the FDNY.
Search teams worked through the night. The FDNY said a third body was located at about 4:45 a.m. after crews brought in K-9 units and Con Edison vacuum equipment to sift through the debris.
The fourth and fifth victims were discovered just minutes apart shortly after 6 a.m. Thursday. Authorities have not yet released the identities of any of those killed.
Seven children were among the injured. Officials said at least four people suffered critical injuries, while five others sustained serious or non-life-threatening wounds. They cautioned that the death toll could continue to rise.
One firefighter sustained minor injuries during the response, which brought 69 units and about 250 fire and EMS personnel to the intersection of Flatbush and Bedford avenues.
The firefighter was conscious and alert when he was removed from the search zone on a stretcher shortly after 1:30 a.m., the FDNY said.
Authorities said the rescue operation remained active because additional victims could still be trapped beneath the debris. Crews used drones, buckets and vacuum trucks to comb through the wreckage.
Inspectors from the city Department of Buildings examined nearby structures Thursday morning as streets around the site remained closed. Officials urged the public to avoid the area.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
