Goa building collapse kills seven and leaves dozens trapped

Rescue workers are continuing to sift through the debris in search of survivors

A three story-building structure in Goa has collapsed, killing at least seven people, with dozens more feared trapped inside.

Authorities are still trying to determine how many people were at the construction site when the structure crumpled in Canacona, a city about 70 kilometers (44 miles) from the state capital of Panaji, Police Superintendent Shekhar Prabhudessai said.

Witnesses said approximately 40 workers were present, with one describing the moment the building fell as "like an earthquake".

Rescue workers have been using cranes, shovels and bulldozers in the search for survivors. Police and residents pulled seven bodies from the wreckage, while firefighters and rescue workers continued to sift through the debris.

Emergency services have taken three seriously injured workers from the hospital for treatment. Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar was quoted by AFP as saying police intended to arrest the "builder, the contractor and municipal officials involved in sanctioning this construction site".

Additional reporting by agencies