Italy averts tragedy as building collapses in Rome

Italy's capital Rome averted a veritable tragedy when part of an apartment building collapsed early on Friday minutes after several families living inside had been evacuated by police, local media reported.

It was a resident to raise the alarm when she called police in the middle of the night after she heard some creaking and strange noises, ANSA news agency said.

Firefighters and police after a check decided to immediately evacuate the seven-storey building dating back to 1939 in a northwestern area of Rome.

According to ANSA, around 10 families living in the building saw the three upper floors fall down in front of them shortly after they had been evacuated.

"It could have turned into a tragedy," a firefighter was quoted as saying by Rome-based la Repubblica newspaper.

"We were lucky. There was also a disabled person with us and we managed to carry him outside," a resident told the newspaper. "When firefighters were about to enter the building again for a second check, the building fell down," he added.

The collapse destroyed some parked cars and hampered road traffic. The Olympic Theatre, located very close to the building, was temporarily shut down following the accident.

According to media reports, some restoration works were going on inside the building, which could have caused the accident. An investigation was opened to ascertain responsibilities. Endit