A man in East Flatbush was hospitalized after being trapped when the first floor of a building collapsed Tuesday, officials say.

Officials say that rescue paramedics arrived at the scene within minutes and administered advanced life support care to the man.

It was initially believed the man was a construction worker at the building, but News 12 has since learned he was on the property scavenging for materials.

News 12 is told the building's first floor gave way underneath the man, and he fell 10 feet down into the basement.

Officials say they had to cut and lift a beam that was on top of the man. They say they had to completely dig him out with their hands. Firefighter were simultaneously working to stabilize a side street wall of the building, which was in danger of collapsing on top of the trapped man.

The man was covered with rubble up to his waist, and he was conscious and able to communicate with emergency officials.

He was removed from the debris and transported to Kings County Hospital. He is expected to be OK.

According to the city's Department of Buildings, the building has many violations and had been approved for demolition Tuesday.