A five-storey building collapsed Sunday in the southern Albanian town of Gjirokaster, injuring at least 20 people, with three still missing, local media reported, according to dpa.
Nine people were held by police in connection with the collapse, which was apparently caused by faulty construction.
Rescuers were still trying to recover the three missing persons, Economy, Trade and Energy Minister Genc Ruli told TV News 24. The workers however were being very cautious in their efforts, as a large part of the building was still standing and threatening to fall.
Along with several other countries in the Balkans, Albanian cities are plagued by chaotic construction, with thousands of buildings springing up each month without proper permits and inspections.