Building collapses in Pakistan, three dead

ISLAMABAD, Aug 31 (Reuters) A nine-storey building damaged in an earthquake in Pakistan last year collapsed today, killing at last three people, police said.

The apartment block in the northern hill town of Murree collapsed at around 3 am. (3.30 am IST). Police initially said up to 15 people were believed trapped in the rubble but later said five people, including the owner and his family, were inside.

''We've recovered three dead bodies including that of the owner, his wife and son,'' said police official Sajid Kiyani. A guard was also believed to be in the rubble.

The owner's daughter was pulled out alive. She had made a phone call for help while trapped in the ruins, he said.

Last year's earthquake killed about 73,000 people in northern Pakistan and destroyed and damaged buildings across the region.

Building regulations are weak and often not enforced in Pakistan and many buildings damaged but still standing after the quake are being used.

The building had been declared dangerous after the quake but a town official said pulling it down would have damaged buildings next to it. It was not known why the building suddenly collapsed.

REUTERS LL DS1632