Michelle Kim

Building Facade Tumbles Down in Greenpoint

Authorities are investigating what caused the facade of a three-story home in the Greenpoint section of Brooklyn to suddenly collapse, sending bricks and debris raining onto the sidewalk below. 

A Department of Buildings spokesman says it appears water infiltration in the masonry caused the partial facade collapse at 113 Java St., between Franklin and Manhattan avenues, early Tuesday evening.

A fire official on scene said the FDNY is also investigating the cause, and it's possible that vibrations from so much construction in the area was a factor. 

No injuries were reported; there's no immediate danger of further collapse, the DOB says. 

Chopper 4 over the scene show broken and bent windows, with bricks strewn all over the ground. 

Neighbor Lori Jones, who lives next door, said she had returned home moments earlier and just missed the bricks falling on top of her. 

"I was just getting in... Glad I got home before," she said. "It could have been a lot worse." 

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