Girl pleads for cat to be found after Brooklyn building collapse
Maria Gomez has over 15 years of experience in local journalism, having previously served as the editor for the Hempstead Herald and a contributor to Newsday. She graduated from Long Island University with a degree in Journalism and has a passion for engaging with the diverse voices of Garden City. Maria believes that community journalism plays a crucial role in shaping local identity.
More from Maria →
The emotional moment happened during a press conference on Friday.
The Details
A child who lived in the building that collapsed in Brooklyn, New York, on Wednesday, killing eight people, says she came home and unsuccessfully attempted to rescue her cat from the rubble.
"The first thing I thought about was my cat," the girl said during an emotional press conference on Friday.
She said when she first got home and saw what happened, she wanted to go under the tape to go get him.
Follow live blog updates on abc7NY
"I realized I didn't know what I was gonna face," she said.
She said that she was told that people tried to find him, but she said he is probably hiding from them and scared.
"I just really hope they come and get our cat," she said, adding, "They put a lot of lives in danger."
The collapse occurred at about 4 p.m. Wednesday. Firefighters responded to the scene and, within minutes, rescued several residents and construction workers. Officials said eight people died, including two children, two construction workers and four other adults. Four firefighters and 14 civilians were injured.
- More Brooklyn news
- Send us a news tip
- Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts
- Download our connected TV app
Submit a tip or story idea to Eyewitness News Have a breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover? Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. If attaching a video or photo, terms of use apply.
Emergency crews responding to vessel collision near Port of New Orleans on Mississippi River Flatbush residents demand answers after Brooklyn building collapse Report a correction or typo Copyright © 2026 WABC-TV. All Rights Reserved.
- Related Topics
- PETS & ANIMALS
- FLATBUSH
- BROOKLYN
- NEW YORK CITY
- CATS
- BUILDING COLLAPSE
- COLLAPSE
- ON NOW
Tanker collides with riverboat with 129 passengers on board in New Orleans: Officials Brooklyn residents express grief, anger as collapse probe continues Microsoft outage live updates: What to know as service is restored Brooklyn building collapse live updates: 2 kids among 8 dead NJ warns of potential measles exposures at Walgreens, LegionsCon
About This Story
Local news from New Rochelle Current
Coverage Area
New Rochelle, New York
Section
Community
Published
Friday, November 13, 2026
Reading Time
2 min