Argentina hotel collapse: Several people feared trapped as building collapses

Aerial view showing the remains of the hotel Dubrovnik following the collapse (Image: REUTERS)

Between seven and nine people are feared to have remained trapped in the wreckage following the collapse of a 10-storey building in Argentina. 

Emergency services rushed to the coastal city of Villa Gesell, in the Buenos Aires province, on Tuesday, October 29, amid reports of the incident. 

Rescue teams are currently working to remove debris after part of the Dubrovnik hotel collapsed at about 1am local time, the local council said.

Firefighters have managed to rescue an elderly woman from the rubble alive, while an 80-year-old man has been killed, local newspaper Pagina 12 reported, citing provincial security minister Javier Alonso.

Dramatic aerial pictures show a pile of rubble where the building stood amongst other high rise blocks.

According to local reports, the building was undergoing construction work without municipal approval.

The council said the project had been halted by the council in August, adding in their statement: "At this time, although it is not possible to speak with any exact details about the collapse, it can be confirmed that the structure in the collapsed part (the rear part) would have been modified illegally and irregularly."

A statement released by Villa Gesell municipality said: "The municipality of Villa Gesell requests that residents and the media be cautious with any information they may circulate. These are key moments in which work is being done to prevent the loss of human lives."