AZERBAIJAN: Search continues for survivors of Baku building collapse

STORY : Rescuers are attempting to reach ten people believed trapped in the rubble of a building that collapsed in the Azerbaijan capital Baku. Police and rescue teams used heavy equipment on Wednesday (August 29) to remove tonnes of debris from the site. Seven people died when the 14-storey building, which was under construction, collapsed across a road on Tuesday (August 28). At least six injured people have so far been pulled out alive from the site, according to emergency services. Tural Museibov, a spokesman for Azerbaijan's Emergencies Ministry, told Reuters rescue work would continue until all those trapped in the rubble had been found. He said a preliminary investigation indicated that the collapse happened because of "violations of building regulations". The capital of Azerbaijan, an oil-producing ex-Soviet republic, has been experiencing a construction boom with high-rise buildings springing up across the city on the shore of the Caspian Sea. However local media have alleged that much of the construction is sub-standard and in violation of safety standards. They also say developers bypass building regulations by bribing corrupt officials. Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev was to visit the scene on Wednesday (August 29).

ITN Source | August 29, 2007

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