Incident Overview

On a typical errand day, Anthony Griggs found himself in a precarious situation when bricks unexpectedly fell at his feet, signaling imminent danger from a nearby building collapse.

Eyewitness Accounts

In an interview with CNN affiliate Spectrum News NY1, Griggs expressed his fear, stating, “I’m shaking, I thought the whole building was going to fall on me.” His experience was echoed by others who witnessed the tragic event.

Reina Renee described the terrifying moments as first responders rushed to the site, illustrating the chaos that followed the collapse. “One of the guys from the demolition was running out to tell (first responders) that there’s people under there,” she recounted, highlighting how she saw a mother distraught as her daughter remained trapped beneath the debris while her son was rescued.

Rescue Efforts

The scene was harrowing as emergency crews worked diligently to extricate individuals from the rubble. Renee noted at least three people were pulled from the wreckage, with one requiring immediate CPR. She remarked, “Just from the people I’ve seen so far, it seems very upsetting, it seems like a lot of families are going to be called,” indicating the dire outcomes of this unfortunate incident.

Casualties and Impact

The tragic collapse claimed at least two lives and left over a dozen others injured. As the community grapples with the aftermath, the focus remains on supporting those affected by the disaster.