An anxious Brooklyn husband broke down in tears of relief after learning that his six-months-pregnant wife had been pulled alive from the wreckage of a building collapse that left at least eight people dead by early Thursday.
The unidentified man attempted to enter the collapsed three-story building shortly after 4 p.m. Wednesday, when he realized his wife was inside. NYPD officers securing the scene stopped him and directed him to safety.
“She’s inside the building, she’s pregnant,” the resident told WABC before being moved away so emergency crews could carry out the rescue operation without interruption.
Then, in a dramatic rescue, firefighters were seen carrying a stretcher along a ladder at about 6:30 p.m. The man soon realized his wife was being brought out alive.
Covered in dust and wrapped in a light blue blanket over her stomach, she was lifted to safety.
“She’s alive. She’s still alive. I’m very happy,” the man told reporters. Officials have not released any further details about the woman’s condition.
Overcome with emotion, he was comforted by Jumaane Williams, New York City’s public advocate.
Rescue teams continued searching through the rubble in Flatbush on Thursday as they looked for additional victims.
By 7:30 a.m. Thursday, officials had confirmed eight deaths and reported at least 19 injuries, including seven children. Authorities cautioned that the numbers could rise.
“There are no words for a loss of this magnitude,” Mayor Mamdani wrote on X while confirming the toll. “My heart is with the families and loved ones of those we have lost, those who are injured and everyone grieving today.”