Two people believed buried in mall collapse

At least two people are believed to be trapped in the debris of the partial collapse of the roof of the Algo Mall in Elliot Lake reports the Elliot Lake Standard.

The Standard tonight reports that rescuers have heard tapping from behind the part of the roof that collapsed at about 2 p.m. on Saturday.

Part of the rooftop parking lot suddenly broke through into the busy food court below injuring more than 20 people.

A gas leak hampered search and resue efforts initially.

A specialized urban rescue team from Toronto is on the scene leading efforts to recover possible survivors.

The Standard is also reporting that rescuers have seen a hand and a foot in the rubble and, as a result, believe that at least one person is dead. 

As of Sunday evening there were still nine people unaccounted for in Elliot Lake who could have been in the mall when the section of roof collapsed. 

Search and rescue operations are slow because much of the heavy debris from the roof remains unstable.

Large pieces of concrete and steel girders, some weighing several tonnes, are leaning precariously on what remains of the escalators and other debris.

A crane has been brought in to assist. 

Click here to read the full Elliot Lake Standard article.