Brazil Fire: Skyscraper collapses in blazing inferno, leaving resident screeming for help

A 26-storey high-rise building in Sao Paulo, Brazil collapsed early Tuesday after a fire raged through the building engulfing the whole tower. The blaze began around 1:30 am and quickly spread from the lower tower to upper floors and eventually to the whole building.

This building was a headquarters for the federal police but was abandoned for many years and was frequently occupied by squatters.

Some 50 families had moved into the building after the federal police force had vacated the building some years ago.  There's no official word on casualties, but the reports confirm one person was killed and one firefighter injured.

A search operation is still on and there can be more casualties. Nearly 150 firefighters tried battling with the blaze. The cause of the fire is believed to be a gas explosion. 57 emergency vehicles are at the scene, which has been cordoned off.

A nearby hotel receptionist, Flabio Gabia, said, "When I went to see what it was, the streets were filled with desperate people," She also added that she heard several people shouting for help.

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