New York City building collapse probe raises questions about neighboring property owner’s violation history

A three-storey mixed-use building in Brooklyn collapsed into an excavation pit at a neighbouring construction site, prompting an investigation into whether work next door played a role. The collapse killed at least eight people and exposed apartments and stairwells in an adjoining building.

The neighbouring property at 2621 Bedford Avenue had received a stop-work order in March over missing safety measures, including netting and sheds. Inspectors later found demolition had continued and issued a $10,000 penalty; the order was lifted on 8 May. Excavation was under way when the collapse happened, while plans for a proposed nine-storey building had not been approved; investigators said it was not yet clear whether planned precautions had been implemented.