At least 18 people are reported dead and dozens more injured or missing after a building collapsed on a construction site in the Cambodian town of Sihanoukville.
According to reports, the seven-story building was around 80% complete when it collapsed early Saturday, falling onto workers who were sleeping on the site.
While there has been no word as to exactly what the development was for, authorities revealed over the weekend that the building was Chinese-owned. Sihanoukville has seen a wave of Chinese development in recent years, particularly related to casinos and hotels.
Four people have reportedly been arrested over the incident including the Chinese building owner, the head contractor and head of the construction firm involved. The Cambodia landowner was taken in for questioning.
First reports on Saturday stated three people had died with dozens more trapped, however the death toll has steadily risen over the weekend with spokesman Oar Saroeun telling Reuters, “The steel structure has collapsed on itself and we don’t dare move it. We can only wait and listen for any signs of life.
“We are afraid more of it will collapse on them. We will work through the night to remove the steel.”
