3rd person dies in Brazil building collapse; 7 still missing

RIO DE JANEIRO – A third victim has died from the collapse of a seven-story building in an upscale part of the Brazilian city of Fortaleza, a fire department official said Wednesday.

Col. Eduardo Holanda told journalists that rescue efforts would continue trying locate seven other people who are thought to have been in the building when it collapsed.

The building gave way unexpectedly around 10:30 local time Tuesday. Some of those trapped under the debris communicated with family members by cellphone.

Authorities said the cause of the collapse wasn’t clear. Police opened an investigation.