Horror as block of flats collapses after 'explosion' in French city of Marseille leaving 'many trapped' under rubble | The Sun

HORRIFIC scenes have unfolded as a block of flats collapsed after an "explosion" in Marseille, leaving "many trapped" under the rubble.

The terrifying incident happened in southern France just after midnight, with rescue teams working around the clock to search for victims.

According to local authorities, five people were injured from two residences next to the collapsed building in the central La Plaine district.

Footage showed the streets around the collapsed building cordoned off as dust and smoke choked the area.

Firefighters were seen working their way through the debris.

Benoit Payan, the Marseille mayor, told local media one neighbouring building collapsed later on Sunday morning.

He said: "It was extremely difficult to control.

"The firefighters are judging minute by minute how best to put out this fire because there are potentially people alive inside.

"We have to be prepared to have victims in this terrible tragedy."

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