Blast from explosives hidden in basement brings down building in Yemen, killing at least 8

Officials: 8 killed in building collapse in Yemen

SAN’A, Yemen — Security officials in southern Yemen say a three-story building collapsed when explosives stored in its basement went off, killing at least eight people.

The officials said it was unclear what set the explosives off early on Tuesday in the southern town of Taiz. They spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not allowed to speak to the media.

The officials say the basement was used by an arms dealer to store dynamite and other explosives. They say the blast was so strong the building, which had six apartments, totally crumbled.

The officials say rescue operations are still continuing and that 15 people were injured in the blast. Two nearby buildings were damaged and have been evacuated.