NEW YORK (1010 WINS/WCBS 880) – One person was killed in a partial building collapse in Brooklyn on Friday afternoon, the FDNY said.
A basement floor of a home collapsed shortly after 12 p.m. at 1266 50th St. in Borough Park, between 12th and 13th avenues.
The victim, who hasn't been identified, was declared dead at the scene.
"At the time of the collapse, there was an active Partial Stop Work Order at the building, prohibiting any construction work from occurring except for housekeeping work that might be necessary to make the site safe," the Department of Buildings said in its preliminary report.
The report continued, "Upon our arrival to the scene, DOB inspectors determined that the cold form steel decking that had been installed on the first floor had collapsed into the basement below, resulting in one fatality."
No other injuries were immediately reported.
The DOB's work is far from done, adding, "Our investigation into the cause of this fatal collapse is ongoing. Additional enforcement actions are pending the results of that investigation."
Structural problems are not new for the building, though.
"Prior to the collapse, DOB issued a Stop Work Order at this location on 1/4/24, after our inspectors found that extensive work had been performed at the site, including excavation of the cellar, all without approved plans and permits," the DOB said. "In addition to the Stop Work Order, DOB issued a violation to the property owner for the illegal work performed without permits."
A hearing is set for March 13, 2024, at the Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings. If upheld, the violation could result in a maximum penalty of $12,500.