Berlin, 7 August 2024 (dpa/MIA) - One person was found dead and eight more were trapped beneath rubble after a hotel in the German state of Rhineland-Palatinate partially collapsed, police said early on Wednesday.

Of those trapped, some were seriously injured, police said.

Rescue operations were underway at the site of the accident, in the Moselle town of Kröv, about 100 kilometres west of Frankfurt.

"Several people were able to leave the building on their own and are being looked after by emergency services and counsellors," police said.

Pictures from the scene show parts of the multi-story building have collapsed, with concrete debris on the ground.

Public broadcaster SWR reported the fire brigade was initially unable to enter the building due to the risk of collapse.

Neighbouring buildings have been evacuated due to fears the building could further collapse.

It was initially unclear what caused the accident on Tuesday night.