Rescuers searching for survivors in Rio collapse

Fri Jan 27th 2012

Rescuers in Rio de Janeiro are working feverishly to find any survivors in the rubble of three buildings that collapsed.

But about 40 hours after the buildings went down with a rumble and great cloud of smoke, hopes of finding anyone alive are dwindling.

So far, six bodies have been pulled from the rubble. And at least another 16 people are missing.

It's not yet known why a 20-story building suddenly collapsed Thursday night and brought down two nearby buildings with it. But authorities say they suspect illegal construction projects in the large building created structural damage that led to its the fall.

The head of Rio state's Civil Defense agency says the hunt for survivors will continue for another 48 hours.