Egyptian security officials say the death toll from the collapse of a residential building in the city of Alexandria has risen to 19.
The officials say emergency workers pulled several bodies from the rubble of the 12-story building Wednesday. It collapsed Monday as construction workers carried out repairs on the first floor.
Egyptian rescuers continued searching for at least eight people feared trapped in the debris. Only three people have been rescued out of the building's estimated 30 residents.
Prosecutors have issued arrest warrants for the building's owner and the contractor responsible for the repair work.
Buildings frequently collapse in Egypt because of poor maintenance and inferior construction that violates regulations.
Egyptian authorities say they had repeatedly ordered the owner to renovate the building, which was constructed 25 years ago without a permit. The owner obtained a permit later but then illegally added five floors.
Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP and Reuters.
