**14-story building collapses in Wuhan, central China**.
**[Wuhan, China] – A 14-story residential building in the city of Wuhan, central China’s Hubei Province, collapsed on Thursday, April 28, 2023, resulting in injuries to at least three people and trapping others inside.**.
According to local authorities, the building, located in the Wangjiadun sub-district of Wuchang District, suddenly collapsed around 10:30 am local time. The cause of the collapse is still under investigation..
Footage circulating on Chinese social media platforms shows a cloud of dust and debris rising from the site of the collapse, as well as people being carried away on stretchers..
Rescue teams, including firefighters and emergency personnel, were immediately dispatched to the scene and began searching for survivors. Three people have been confirmed injured and taken to the hospital, but it is feared that others may still be trapped under the rubble..
The collapse has prompted a massive emergency response, with officials from various government departments and the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) arriving at the scene to assist in the rescue efforts. Heavy machinery, including cranes and excavators, is being used to clear the debris and search for survivors..
The Wuhan Municipal Government has established a command center to coordinate the rescue operation and provide updates on the situation. The public has been urged to avoid the area and allow emergency vehicles to pass through..
The collapse of the 14-story building in Wuhan is a tragic reminder of the importance of building safety and the need for strict adherence to construction standards. The cause of the collapse will likely be the subject of a thorough investigation to determine the exact circumstances that led to this disaster..
**Update (April 29, 2023):**.
As of Friday morning, more than 24 hours after the collapse, rescue efforts are ongoing at the site in Wuhan. The official death toll has risen to five, with at least five others injured..
Rescue teams are facing challenges in accessing the deep layers of debris, and the search for survivors continues. Authorities have confirmed that 108 people who were inside the building at the time of the collapse have been contacted and are safe..
The Wuhan Municipal Government has announced that an investigation has been launched into the cause of the collapse, and those responsible will be held accountable..
**Update (April 30, 2023):**.
The death toll from the collapse of the 14-story building in Wuhan has climbed to nine, with eight others injured. Rescue efforts are still underway, but hopes of finding more survivors are dwindling..
Authorities have identified the building’s owner as Wuhan Hongrui Real Estate Development Co. Ltd., and an investigation is ongoing to determine the cause of the collapse..
The incident has sparked widespread concern about building safety in China, and experts are calling for stricter enforcement of construction regulations and more stringent inspections of older buildings..
**Additional Information:**.
* The 14-story building that collapsed in Wuhan was built in the 1990s..
* The building was mixed-use, containing residential apartments on the upper floors and commercial spaces on the lower floors..
* The collapse occurred during the morning rush hour, when many people were likely inside the building..
* The cause of the collapse is still under investigation, but some experts speculate that it may have been related to structural issues or poor maintenance..
* The collapse has prompted a nationwide safety inspection of older buildings in China..
* The Chinese government has pledged to provide compensation to the victims and their families, as well as to rebuild the collapsed building..
