At least two children die as building collapses in Brazil

At least two children died when a building collapsed in the Brazilian metropolis of Rio de Janeiro early Friday. Rescue efforts were still ongoing several hours after the collapse, and authorities did not rule out that more victims might be found under the rubble. The causes of the accident remained unknown, the fire department told Brazilian media. Seven people were taken to hospital to be treated for injuries, the reports said. The three-floor building in the poor neighbourhood of Marechal Hermes also apparently housed a private tutoring academy. The dead are two young girls, whose ages have not been determined. According to eye witnesses, the building collapsed when a Brazilian Air Force plane flew over it. However, the Air Force denied any connection. The police had launched an investigation into the causes of the accident. A police spokesman said it was clear that the building had construction faults. dpa er vs aw