Building Collapse In Brighton Beach Claims Life Of 1 Of 5 Workers Pulled From Rubble
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- CBS 2 has learned one of the workers pulled from the Brighton Beach building collapse wreckage has died.
Chopper 2 HD was over the scene at 2922 Brighton 5th St., in Brooklyn where the five-story building under construction suddenly came down on Monday afternoon.
Firefighters frantically searched through the pile of concrete, pulling five workers out. Investigators said concrete being poured between the metal pillars buckled the building.
Three workers became trapped under the rubble after the top two floors fell onto the third, sending it all crashing to the ground, officials said.
"Looks like the weight of the concrete caused the 3rd floor to collapse onto the 2nd floor," said Michael Marrone of the FDNY.
Robert Approbato was delivering a load of cement when he heard the crashing metal. He said it sounded like thunder.
"I just jumped off the truck, called 911 immediately, picked up my shoot, drove up the block and I've been here ever since," Approbato told CBS 2's Derricke Dennis.
CBS 2 was there when one of the workers was wheeled away on a stretcher with a neck and back brace. It is unknown at this time if that worker is the one that died.
"He was like covered in cement, he didn't look like he was moving. It didn't look too good," witness Jessica Padilla said.
The workers were all taken to a local hospital. One was listed in critical condition, two others in serious condition.
Inspectors and engineers with the Buildings Department are investigating the collapse.
Several neighbors had to evacuate as a precaution. They've since been allowed back into their homes.
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