Five killed in Italy construction site collapse

The workers were building a supermarket in the city of Florence when the incident happened.

They were understood to be assembling precast concrete structures when, according to initial reports, a reinforced concrete beam collapsed.

A total of eight men were trapped following the collapse, with three taken to hospital in serious but non life-threatening condition.

Prosecutors in the city have ordered an investigation into the collapse.

The new structure was being built for supermarket chain Esselunga. 

Marina Caprotti, president of the company, said, “We express deep condolences and closeness to the families of the victims of the very serious accident on the construction site in via Mariti in Florence.

“We are shocked by what happened.

“The site under construction was contracted out to a third-party company and we are available to the authorities to help clarify the dynamics of what happened and for any need.”