Commercial building collapses in Sao Paulo, kills at least six

A commercial building under construction in Brazil's biggest city, Sao Paulo collapsed on Tuesday, killing at least six people and sending large chunks of rubble and a blanket of dust onto nearby vehicles.

Another 24 people escaped or were pulled alive from the rubble and at least seven of those were in critical condition at hospitals, authorities said.

It was possible another eight people remained trapped.

About 60 firefighters carefully searched the rubble, stepping between twisted steel rebar and large chunks of red brick covered in concrete.

Some used sledge hammers to open holes in the ruins while others carried out sheets of metal roofing by hand.

Dogs were brought in to help find victims, both alive and dead.

The authorities have began an investigation as it was not immediately clear what caused the two story building to collapse.
Firefighters said the rescue work will take sometime to complete.


AP