Marseille building collapses in France, fire stymies rescues

Up to 10 people may be buried under the debris of a building that collapsed following an explosion in France’s port city of Marseille, but a fire deep within the rubble hindered rescue efforts Sunday.

Up to 10 people may be buried under the debris of a building that collapsed following an explosion in France's port city of Marseille, but a fire deep within the rubble hindered rescue efforts on Sunday, the French Interior Minister said.

Officials determined that at least four people lived in the building, Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said.

It was not known if anyone was killed in the collapse or explosion, or what triggered the blast, he said.

Mr. Darmanin, who visited the site, provided the update nearly 11 hours after the five-story building collapsed before 1 a.m.. More than 100 firefighters, aided by specialists, worked through the night to access and extinguish the fire, which the minister said was burning a few meters (feet) under the debris.

The delicate operation proceeded with the aim of keeping firefighters safe, preventing further harm to people potentially trapped in the rubble and not compromising vulnerable buildings nearby.

Some 30 buildings in the area were evacuated, Mr. Darmanin said.

The building that collapsed is located on a narrow street in the center of Marseille, adding to an array of difficulties for firefighters and rescue workers.