Building collapse in southern Poland claims lives

In a search and rescue operation at the site of the accident in the town of Świebodzice, lower Silesia, six people, including two bodies, were removed from the site by Saturday afternoon.

By evening, the death toll had risen to five, including two children.

At a press conference on Saturday, fire-fighting officials said they believe some 11 people are still buried under the rubble.

It is hard to ascertain how many people were inside the building at the time, since one family was reported to have had guests over.

Another family was believed to not have been inside at the time of the collapse. A total of 18 people are registered as living at the location.

Local media reported that the building collapsed due to a gas explosion. However, authorities did not confirm this information. The main gas line to the building was shut off as a precaution, in order not to endanger the rescue operation. (rg)