Updated 12.50pm
A six-storey building near the old part of Marseilles has collapsed.
Over 40 rescue workers are on the scene to search for possible victims with the authorities confirming that at least two passersby had been injured.
The mayor for the area, Sabine Bernasconi, told the media the building was dilapidated and that an evacuation order had been issued, but admitted that there may have been squatters living there.
The rescue squads told AFP that according to their information, at least 12 people were potentially living at these addresses.
The collapse engulfed the narrow street in dust, sending passersby running for cover.
More soon.