MARSEILLE, April 9 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The collapse of a four-storey building in the southern French port city of Marseille on Sunday left at least two people injured, but a fire was preventing rescue workers in their search for more possible victims, officials said.
The collapse of the building in central Marseille’s La Plaine district occurred at around 12.40am, Mayor Benoit Payan told reporters, damaging parts of the two surrounding buildings.
“There is currently a fire in the rubble of (building) 17. This fire prevents us from sending dogs and teams to search for possible victims that could be under the rubble,” he added.
Payan also said two people were injured among 11 evacuated from two neighbouring buildings damaged by the collapse.
The streets around the building were cordoned off.
Regional prefect Christophe Mirmand said there were “strong suspicions” that an explosion caused the collapse, possibly a gas leak.
An investigation has been opened to find the cause of the collapse, officials said.
There were a hundred firefighters on site, said the commander of the marine firefighters.
Other buildings on the street were evacuated as a safety measure, with residents sheltering at a school, Mirmand said.
Both Mayor Payan and regional prefect Mirmand appeared to rule out structural issues in the latest collapse, given that it was in a neighbourhood known for its bars and nightlife. — NNN-AGENCIES
