Five killed & three missing after block of flats collapses in horrific ‘explosion’ in Marseille leaves ‘many trapped’

FIVE people have been killed as a block of flats collapsed following an “explosion” in Marseille, leaving several trapped under the rubble. Another five people were left injured while three remain missing as rescue teams continue to search for victims. APMany are feared to be trapped in the rubble[/caption] The block of flats collapsed in Marseille, southern France ReutersRescue teams continue to search for survivors trapped in the rubble[/caption] AFPFirefighters work their way through the debris[/caption] The terrifying incident happened just after midnight on Sunday in southern France. According to local authorities, five people were injured in two residences next to the collapsed building in the central La Plaine district. Footage showed the streets around the collapsed building cordoned off as dust and smoke choked the area. Emergency crews were seen working their way through the debris, with more than 100 firefighters on the scene. “The hope to find survivors is still there,” Minister for Cities and Housing Olivier Klein told reporters after he met with rescuers on site. Rescuers were using a crane to move heavy blocks of concrete and rubble with great caution so as not to hurt people who could still be trapped underneath, and then continuing the investigation with their hands. Marseille Mayor Benoit Payan tweeted Monday that the pain and sorrow are great.” He expressed his thoughts for the families of the victims and “those who are suffering.” “Rescue and search operations are continuing, without respite, he said. Benoit Payan, the Marseille mayor, told local media one building had collapsed on Sunday morning. He said: “It was extremely difficult to control. “The firefighters are judging minute by minute how best to put out this fire because there are potentially people alive inside. “At the moment, we are clearing the buildings next door, taking care not to endanger the people who could be beneath the rubble. “We have to be prepared to have victims in this terrible tragedy.” More than 32 surrounding buildings have been affected and 163 residents have been evacuated. All evacuees were moved to schools and nurseries close by. A food vendor working on the street at the time of structural collapse said “everything shook” during what sounded like an explosion. The man said: “We saw people running and there was smoke everywhere.” Another resident, Giles, said the sound of the crash “was huge”. Giles said: “It sounded like an explosion.” An investigation has been opened for involuntary injury, at least initially sidestepping possible criminal intentions. A gas explosion was among the avenues of investigation, prosecutor Dominique Laurens said Sunday evening. Authorities reportedly ruled out structural issues in the collapse. President Emmanuel Macron paid respect to the residents involved. Macron said: “I am thinking of those affected and their loved ones.” AFPFive people have been injured in the collapse[/caption]