3 injured in Queens building and scaffolding collapse

A man and two girls were injured Wednesday when a building and the scaffolding outside of it partially collapsed in Queens, according to officials.

The incident happened shortly after 5 p.m. near 245-13 Jericho Turnpike in Bellerose, when scaffolding came down outside a furniture store, striking a 25-year-old man in the back and hitting a nearby Jeep, authorities said. Two girls inside the vehicle, ages 11 and 13, were injured in the back and leg, officials said.

An NYPD spokesperson said all three were taken to the hospital with minor injuries. Their conditions were not immediately available.

A Department of Buildings spokesperson said inspectors responded to reports of a partial wall collapse. At the site, a one-story commercial building, they observed that approximately 175 feet of parapet wall had fallen onto the sidewalk and street below, the spokesperson said.

The building's representative is coordinating with contractors to assess the damage and clean up the debris, officials said.

Westbound traffic on Jericho Turnpike was temporarily closed between 245th and 247th streets as the investigation continued.

This story has been updated with comment from the city Department of Buildings.