Cracks found on facade months before Brooklyn building collapse

Cracks found on facade months before Brooklyn building collapse By Dan Krauth Thursday, November 12, 2026 9:54PM Dan Krauth is taking a closer look at the building's history. AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura FLATBUSH, Brooklyn (WABC) -- City building inspectors are at the site of the Brooklyn building collapse trying to determine what caused it. They're also doing emergency inspections at 100 other properties that the companies involved in the project were also doing businesses with. A total of five entities were involved with the construction project. The developer was trying to build a nine-story mixed use apartment building directly next to a 96-year-old apartment building that collapsed. Back in March, a pre-construction report was filed that analyzed the condition of all the properties surrounding the site before any work started. It found the exterior of the north side of the building that collapsed was in "poor condition," that's the side next to the construction site. The report includes pictures of visible cracks that were in the facade. The building that used to butt-up next to that wall was the one that was torn down and where the excavation work was taking place. There are no available city records showing improvements were made to the cracked facade before construction started next door. "We are launching an extensive full on government investigation into this," said the NYC Department of Building Commissioner Ahmed Tigani. In June, the construction company sent letters to all nearby property owners saying the demolition and excavation was about to begin and ensure them all precautions will be taken to protect adjacent properties. Engineering reports also show the excavation work that was underway involved digging deep beneath the surface near the property of the collapsed building. "They've got to find out why did that happen," said safety expert Glenn Corbett. "What was it not built correctly? Was the size of the members - the wood panels -not large enough? If there was steel involved, which I believe there was, was that not up to speed as far as what's required?" he asked. ---------- DO YOU NEED A STORY INVESTIGATED? Dan Krauth and the 7 On Your Side Investigates team at Eyewitness News want to hear from you! Call our confidential tip line 1-877-TIP-NEWS (847-6397) or fill out the form BELOW. You can also contact Dan Krauth directly: Email your questions, issues, or story ideas to [email protected] Facebook: DanKrauthReports Twitter: @ DanKrauthABC7 Instagram: @DanKrauth Brooklyn building collapse: How the deadly Flatbush collapse unfolded AccuWeather Alert: Flash flood warning in Queens, tornado watch for N.J. 2 hours ago Javits Frimpong: 17-year-old charged with murder in Bronx shooting death of 15-year-old Report a correction or typo Copyright © 2026 WABC-TV. All Rights Reserved. Related Topics FLATBUSH BROOKLYN NEW YORK CITY COLLAPSE ROOF COLLAPSE 7 ON YOUR SIDE INVESTIGATION Watch Live ON NOW Brooklyn building collapse: How the deadly Flatbush collapse unfolded AccuWeather Alert: Flash flood warning in Queens, tornado watch for N.J. 2 hours ago Javits Frimpong: 17-year-old charged with murder in Bronx shooting death of 15-year-old Worker killed, another missing after bridge scaffolding collapse on Loop Parkway Bridge Central Park rape suspect arrested while working in Miami, linked to 2 others