The collapse of a four-storey residential building in Marseille today left at least five people from surrounding structures injured, but a fire was preventing rescue workers in their search for victims, local officials said.
The collapse of the building in the port city in southern France occurred around 12:40 am (2240 GMT). One neighbouring building collapsed later this morning.
The streets around the collapsed building were cordoned off and choked with dust. Firefighters could be seen attempting to work their way through the building debris.
It remains unclear how many residents were in the collapsed building, local authorities said. But rescue workers are in a race against time to evacuate damaged neighbouring buildings also at risk of collapse.
Source: Oman News Agency