4 people killed as building collapses in western Poland

WARSAW, March 4 (Xinhua) -- Four people were killed and over 20 others injured after an apartment building collapsed in Poland's western city of Poznan, officials said Sunday.

Tomasz Stube, spokesperson of the governor of Wielkopolska province, told Polish News Agency (PAP) on Sunday that four people died and 21 others were injured. Shelters and food were provided to the victims of the incident, he added.

PAP reported that the incident, which happened at around 8 a.m. local time, was probably caused by a gas explosion.

There are about 150 rescuers, including three search and rescue groups working on site. Firefighters are trying to reach people who may still be under the rubble.

Chief Commandant of the State Fire Service, Leszek Suski, said that there were 40 people in the building at the time of the incident, with 24 people injured. Among the injured people, three are in serious conditions.

Suski said that rescue is difficult. "Part of the five-storied building has been demolished, some of the structures are in danger of collapsing, and we have to be very cautious," he said. Enditem