A building collapse in Center City of Philadelphia at 22nd and Market Streets is believed to have killed one person, NBC 10 Philadelphia is reporting.
Thirteen people were injured in the collapse, which occurred around 10.45am and left many trapped in the rubble. At a press conference this afternoon, however, the Philadelphia officials refused to answer questions about a possible death, but said that the search and rescue would be ongoing.
It is not currently clear how the four story building on the A2200 block of Market Street collapsed. Police are asking the public to stay out of the area to allow the rescue workers access.
Pictures from the scene appear to show that a Salvation Army thrift store was located next to the building:
Building collapse is at 22nd and Market in Philly. People may still be trapped twitter.com/Lescarpenter/s…
— Les Carpenter (@Lescarpenter) June 5, 2013
The thrift store was open and operating at the time of the collapse.
This image shows the store before the collapse. According to ABC 6, row homes towards the back of the four story building may also have been damaged.
While there were some reports that an explosion may have caused the collapse, Philadelphia police are currently saying that is unlikely. According to NBC 10 Philadelphia, the building next door to the thrift store was under demolition. A picture posted to Flickr this morning appears to show construction on the four story building just before it collapsed.
You can watch ABC 6 live here, and NBC 10 Philadelphia here.
This post will be updated as we find out more...
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