Hard Rock Hotel under construction collapses in downtown New Orleans

The Hard Rock Hotel partially collapsed Saturday morning (Oct. 12) onto Canal St. in New Orleans.
The New Orleans Fire Deptartment and the New Orleans Police Department are on scene. They ceased rescue operations for the day around 7 p.m.NOFD Chief Tim McConnell confirmed one person was killed on scene and two others are unaccounted for. They are all contractors. Authorities originally believed three people were missing, but one turned up at the hospital.
Officials said an additional 29 people needed medical attention. That number could increase. McConnell said they are all in stable condition. Some of the people have been released from the hospital.
McConnell said urban search and rescue teams are on scene and nearby buildings are being evacuated. He says a large crane is unstable and further collapse is possible.
Search and Rescue teams are attempting to reach areas where they believe people may be in the building. The city is meeting with crane owner and other agencies to see how to possibly reach those who might be trapped.
“This is not a short term event, this is a marathon,” McConnell said.