The high-rise building under construction collapsed in the capital of Azerbaijan on Tuesday. According to the country's emergencies ministry, from five to 12 people could still be trapped beneath the debris.
Preliminary reports said the cause of the collapse might have been a breach of safety regulations at the construction site. Police have already arrested the CEO of the construction company, Ali Muradov, and his brother, as well as two construction managers.
Investigators said work at the site began five years ago, and that 16 floors had been built by the time of the collapse.
A spokesman for the construction company earlier said he heard the sound of an explosion before the building collapsed, but no witnesses have confirmed this.
Other witnesses said they felt a tremor before the building collapsed, but those reports have been dismissed by local officials. Some officials suggested that those responsible for the tragedy deliberately spread rumors of a tremor as a way of avoiding responsibility.
