Rescuers work to remove the debris at the collapse site in Shanghai on May 4, 2014. [Photo by Gao Erqiang/chinadaily.com.cn]

SHANGHAI -- At least two people were killed and three others injured after an old residential building collapsed in Shanghai on Sunday morning, Shanghai-based Oriental Morning Post reported.

The three-story brick-and-wood structure crumbled at 4:49 am when nine people were in the building in Hongkou District, according to a statement with the district government.

Four people managed to escape while the rest were pulled out by rescuers, said the statement.

Two of the rescued were later confirmed dead by medical staff, it said, adding that three injured survivors are being treated in the hospital.

An initial investigation showed the accident was caused by Calor gas explosion.

 

Building collapse kills one in E. China	Photo special: Dangerous buildings in China