Brooklyn building collapse investigation focuses on structure's history, nearby construction

Collapse NYC building collapse investigation focuses on structure's history, nearby construction By Dan Krauth Thursday, November 12, 2026 11:47AM Dan Krauth looks into the history of the building that collapsed, and the construction site. AP Photo/Ryan Murphy NEW YORK -- City records show demolition and construction work had been going on for months next to a 96-year-old Brooklyn building at 1321 Flatbush Ave. that collapsed Wednesday night , killing at least six people and injuring at least 19 others. Investigators are now examining the debris left behind to determine what caused the collapse, which shocked residents and left city leaders with unanswered questions. Google Maps imagery shows the commercial building that once stood at the adjacent construction site. Compared with chopper video from Wednesday, the neighboring building is gone, and rubble fills the construction site next door. Construction safety expert Glenn Corbett of John Jay College, who has not investigated the site, said excavation work near older structures can present stability concerns. "When you go and dig next to these kind of buildings, there's always an issue of stability," Corbett said. Corbett said retaining walls, or shores, commonly used to support the perimeter of construction pits, can become a point of concern during investigations. "What was it not built correctly with the size of the members, the wood panels not large enough was the... if there was steel involved, which I believe there was, was that not, was that not up to speed as far as what's required?" Corbett said. According to Department of Buildings records, one summons was issued in April for the construction site along Bedford Avenue. A stop-work order was allegedly violated but was later resolved. Blueprints show a mixed-use building was under construction at the site, with plans for retail space, medical services and residential apartments. Our sister station WABC found no building violations for the site of the building that collapsed. Corbett said it is important for New York City to understand the cause of the deadly incident. "They've got to find out why did that happen? And do we need to change the rules?" Corbett said. AccuWeather: Gusty thunderstorms today in the Philadelphia region 4 minutes ago Baby buried alive for 24 hours released from the hospital; father charged Malayshia Allford case: Medical examiner's report reveals new details in murder of missing girl WABC called the number listed for the contractor who received the summons in April. The contractor said the company carried out the demolition work but had left the job site by late April or early May. He said he was not aware of any existing condition of the shores. The investigation into the cause of the collapse remains ongoing. Report a correction or typo Copyright © 2026 WPVI-TV. All Rights Reserved. Related Topics NEW YORK COLLAPSE BUILDING CODE VIOLATION U.S. & WORLD RESCUE At least 6 dead, multiple injured after building collapses in Brooklyn, New York 11 minutes ago 'She is still alive': Pregnant woman rescued from NYC building collapse rubble, husband says 12 minutes ago Hawaii’s famed Hōlei Sea Arch has collapsed into Pacific Ocean 4 Americans among 6 dead after explosion collapses building in Athens Watch Live ON NOW AccuWeather: Gusty thunderstorms today in the Philadelphia region 4 minutes ago Baby buried alive for 24 hours released from the hospital; father charged Malayshia Allford case: Medical examiner's report reveals new details in murder of missing girl SS United States completes final voyage, sinks to Gulf floor to become artificial reef Boycott of Jewish-owned Philly businesses draws counterprotest