Police reportedly cordoned off the area and cut off electricity

Two buildings – one nearly 20 storeys high – have collapsed in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, filling streets with masonry and covering cars with debris.

TV reports initially suggested two bodies had been recovered and up to 11 people killed but officials say the number of casualties is unknown.

The cause remains unclear but witnesses spoke of an explosion before the collapse and a strong smell of gas.

However, city mayor Eduardo Paes said structural problems may be to blame.

“There are still people in the rubble, but we don’t know how many. We have received conflicting information,” he told AFP news agency, adding that four people had been taken to hospital.

More: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-16735556