1 dead after partial roof collapse in Brooklyn
A worker died when a roof partially collapsed Thursday morning in Brooklyn, the NYPD said.
The FDNY said it received a call shortly before 9 a.m. for a collapse in the rear of a two-story building at Quentin Road and East 32nd Street in Marine Park.
Chopper 2 flew over the scene, where there were several fire trucks and other emergency vehicles. The location is a former steakhouse, which could be seen with debris spilling out its front door.
Authorities said three construction workers were doing some renovations at the steakhouse. They were working on the first floor at the rear of the building, installing new refrigeration units when the roof suddenly collapsed. One of the workers, 43, was pinned under a thick slab of concrete.
Emergency responders arrived in less than four minutes.
"They did an excellent job. They actually used the Hurst Tool to pry, to lift up the debris, so we could advance airbags to lift it up more. But that didn't do the entire job. Rescue 2 came in, along with our special units, for a technical rescue. They used their equipment and managed to get the victim out," FDNY Brooklyn Borough Commander Joe Duggan said.
He was rushed to Brookdale Hospital in critical condition, but despite the fast response, he did not survive.
"We had our rescue medics arrive on the scene, a specialty unit that works side by side with fire, rescue and specialty units. They were able to start patient care while the patient was still being extricated," FDNY Deputy Chief Joe Nocerino said.
One woman said she heard the collapse and the rescue unfold.
"He was screaming very loud, but I was busy, so I didn't even know what's going on. I knew that there's a lot of fire department and ambulance came," she said.
Authorities are not releasing the victim's name until they notify his family.
The Department of Buildings says it is conducting an investigation. The FDNY says it's too early to say what caused the collapse of the rear shed that held the mechanical equipment.
The two other workers are going to be OK, officials said. DOB officials say the workers were demolishing a walk-in freezer and commercial kitchen.
DOB couldn't reach the property owner, but issued a violation for working without a permit and failing to maintain the structure. There's a full vacate order for the property. The city said the building must be sealed for public safety reasons.
