Three people were rescued with serious injuries and several others left in shock when a four-storied building they were demolishing collapsed yesterday afternoon.The building, known as Petit Meridien,is located opposite Hotel Umubano in Kacyiru, Kigali City.

Patrick Yandagiye, who was among the workers demolishing the structure, but narrowly survived, told The New Times that his colleagues who were trapped in the rubble were having lunch when the structure caved in.

"I walked out of the building to get my lunch and as soon as I stepped out, the building started collapsing and I watched in horror as my colleagues were getting burried,” Yandagiye said.Police arrived at the scene shortly after the incident and embarked on an intensive rescue effort.

Helpless victims could be heard groaning under the rubble.

Ambulences and paramedics were on standby to treat and rush those rescued to the nearby King Faisal Hospital.Theos Badege, the Police spokesperson told The New Times:"The search continues, but we cannot tell the exact number of people still trapped.” Two heavy machinery from a Chinese Construction Company was brought in to help with the rescue efforts.

Dr Alex Butera, the Chief Executive Officer King Faisal Hospital,  said two of victims were in critical condition and that the hospital was on standby for more victims.

Police said that investigations to find out who was at fault had begun.