Brooklyn bridge collapse
© Jean-luc Torchon
During last night's pounding thunderstorm, a facade under the Brooklyn Bridge on the Brooklyn side collapsed, injuring numerous people.

It happened at Washington and Prospect Streets, near the exit ramp to Tillary Street and Cadman Plaza. The Daily News reports:

"Jerome Dilligard, 52, said his wife noticed water seeping from between the heavy stones of the facade as they took shelter under the Brooklyn Bridge. The retired correction officer decided to run for their car.

As soon as Dilligard left, the wall collapsed - burying his wife, Teresa, and their 8-year-old daughter, Kaylah, as well as his 30-year-old daughter, LaToya Jackson, her son, Khmani, 10, and little Kiarra in debris. The baby was knocked to the street, her grandfather said.

"A stranger picked her up," Dilligard said. "They were right under the wall when it came down.

"My wife had to dig them all out. It's a miracle they got out with their lives.""

Brooklyn bridge collapse 2
© FDNY
According to the Post, "The damage affected a roughly 25-foot-wide section of the fabled span's facade. There was no word on what caused the stones to loosen, detach and fall."

The Department of Transportation told the News, "We will immediately conduct a full inspection of all the facades, and will continue to thoroughly inspect our entire bridge inventory."