Search on for survivors of 2 collapsed buildings in France
MARSEILLE, France — Two buildings collapsed into a pile of rubble and beams Monday in the French city of Marseille, where authorities spoke of a race against time to find people possibly trapped in the ruins.
The buildings — one condemned and supposedly vacant, the other containing apartments — gave way after 9 a.m. In the spot where they had stood, a large gap appeared once the dust and debris settled.
Marseille fire services said two people who were in the street when the buildings collapsed were treated for light injuries. French President Emmanuel Macron said Monday evening it was unknown if anyone was killed or trapped.
Fire officials deliberately brought down most of a third building due to concerns the unstable structure might cave on top of search crews and sniffer dogs combing the rubble of the other buildings. The late afternoon demolition released more dust clouds.