According to the Syrian Civil Defense, the collapse occurred on the roof of one of the building’s floors while renovation work was being carried out following a fire last June.

According to the statement released on the agency’s official social media page, between five and six people were reportedly trapped after the fire.

So far, rescue teams have managed to rescue two of the workers, while search operations continue in difficult conditions, given the risk of further collapses that threaten to hinder the work.

Videos posted by witnesses on social media showed dense clouds of smoke and dust rising from the vicinity of the building, the former headquarters of the Ministry of the Interior, causing alarm among passersby and local residents.

The building, which is currently undergoing restoration, had already been the scene of a fire last June. The flames, caused by papers and furniture stored on the ground floor, spread to 11 rooms, although no casualties were reported at that time.

Authorities have not yet provided an official death toll or details on the structural condition of the building following the recent collapse.

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