At least one dead after New Orleans' Hard Rock Casino hotel collapses during construction

Rescuers search for three people missing after builders run to safety

One person has died and three people are missing after a Hard Rock hotel building under construction suddenly collapsed.

Construction workers reportedly had to run for safety in New Orleans on Saturday as part of the building, which has been under construction for several months, came crashing down.

New Orleans Fire Department superintendent Tim McConnell said there has been one confirmed fatality, and people are still missing inside the building.

Authorities say 18 people were also taken to a hospital for treatment after being injured, but all were considered to be stable.

Mr McConnell said the upper six to eight floors of the building collapsed shortly after 9am.

The structure is still unstable and buildings in the area have been evacuated, he added.

It is not yet known what caused the collapse.

Witnesses described hearing a rumble and seeing a huge cloud of dust as the building came down, according to The New Orleans Advocate.

One worker told the newspaper that about 45 people were working inside the building, although this has not been confirmed by authorities.

The hotel was scheduled to open in the spring.

In a statement, Hard Rock International said: “We want to extend our deepest sympathies to victims of this tragic incident in New Orleans and to their loved ones and friends.

“Hard Rock has had no involvement in the construction of the project, but we are working with partners and local officials to take appropriate action if needed.”