Two buildings collapsed during renovations not far from the historic main square in the French city of Lille. Victims were not initially discovered, the rescue operation is ongoing.
Apparently, the building collapsed during renovation work (symbol image).
(dpa) Two buildings collapsed in the center of the northern French city of Lille, victims were not initially discovered. An extensive rescue operation is underway, the situation is still being explored, the fire brigade said on Saturday morning. The newspaper “La Voix du Nord” reported that there had been renovation work in one of the two adjacent buildings not far from the historic main square. A photographer from the newspaper witnessed the collapse on the way to the editorial office. First stones broke out of the facade and then the buildings collapsed. An adjacent hotel was evacuated.
The collapse occurred around 9.15 a.m. in the street, which is heavily frequented by shopping tourists during the day, especially on weekends. Residents of one of the buildings had already been evacuated during the night after a resident coming home late noticed cracks, the newspaper reported. After the collapse, the surrounding area was cordoned off over a wide area. Rescue workers were deployed in the ruins with search dogs and special equipment, the fire brigade said. The helpers came with a total of 48 vehicles.