(Reuters) – One person was killed and at least 18 injured in New Orleans on Saturday when part of a Hard Rock Hotel under construction collapsed, filling a street with wreckage and clouds of dust.
Video of the collapse was widely shared on social media and the fire department posted photos of the aftermath showing crumpled floors and tangles of broken construction materials.
Local media said three people were missing and emergency services were using rescue dogs and drones to search for any more victims.
Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards urged residents and visitors alike to avoid the area.
“This remains a very fluid and very dangerous situation,” he told reporters at the scene. “Every few minutes something is falling off of this building.”
Hard Rock International said it was to be the future manager of the hotel and has no involvement in its construction.
“We want to extend our deepest sympathies to victims of this tragic accident and to their loved ones and friends,” the company said in a statement.
Reporting by Daniel Wallis; Editing by David Gregorio