Two Feared Dead After Tenerife Building Collapses

Two people are feared dead after a four-story block collapsed in the popular tourist destination of Los Cristianos, Tenerife early this morning.

Witnesses reported hearing creaking noises, followed by what sounded like an explosion just as the building began to collapse around 9.30am local time.

Emergency services were quickly on the scene as huge plumes of smoke and dust filled the air along with rubble strewn across to road and pavements.

It is unclear what cause the collapse, however local reports have said the commercial space on the ground floor, formerly a bank, had been undergoing renovation. Allegedly, work stopped two weeks ago because large cracks were discovered in the structure.

Conflicting reports suggested as many as 9 people were unaccounted for, even trapped and two feared dead, however local authorities have not confirmed this. A military emergency response unit was deployed to the scene with sniffer dogs to help with the search.

Los Cristianos is a popular location for UK tourists and a local tapas bar, Hide Away pub, situated next to the collapsed building is a hotspot for Brits and other Europeans visiting the area.

It is not yet know if any British national are amongst the dead or injured, however a UK Foreign Office spokesperson said "We are in contact with local authorities and urgently seeking more information following a building collapse in Tenerife.

Firefighters have been attempting to secure an adjoining wall which was left behind when the building collapsed. Until the wall is secure a thorough search cannot begin.