At least two people have died and four remain missing after a partial hotel collapse in Kröv, Germany, complicating rescue efforts for the 14 people who were inside the unstable building Tuesday night.

The collapse occurred around 11 p.m. local time, prompting a massive response involving around 250 emergency personnel, including special forces, rescue dog teams, and drone units. Despite ongoing efforts, the unstable structure, which shifts by 4 millimeters an hour, hinders rescue operations. Among the rescued are a mother and her two-year-old child, while the child's father remains trapped. The cause of the accident is still unknown and under investigation.

Five people managed to escape the building unharmed. Their names and identities are currently withheld as the rescue operations continue. The authorities indicated that the building is still partially intact, but its continuous movement at a rate of 4 millimeters an hour makes the rescue efforts precarious. This instability necessitates extreme caution to avoid further collapses and potential additional casualties.

A total of 31 residents from neighboring buildings were evacuated as a precautionary measure. Officials are unsure about the potential risk posed by the instability of the partially collapsed hotel to these nearby structures. Nearby streets have been cordoned off, and residents instructed to stay clear of the area to ensure their safety and to facilitate uninterrupted rescue operations.

Local broadcaster SWR provided additional details, with witnesses reportedly hearing a loud bang followed by a large cloud of dust enveloping the area at the time of the collapse. This account is consistent with the reports from those who were near the site, although it offers no immediate clues as to the cause of the collapse.

The rescue operations are ongoing, with the difficult conditions posing significant challenges. Rescue teams are employing a variety of techniques and technologies, including drones to survey the area and rescue dog teams to locate individuals trapped under the rubble. The use of special forces and technical relief workers underscores the complexity of the current situation.

Authorities have yet to determine the cause of the collapse, and an official investigation is underway. Structural engineers will likely conduct a thorough examination of the site to ascertain how the collapse occurred and what preventive measures could have been taken. Until then, speculation remains on whether construction flaws or external factors might have contributed to the incident.

In the meantime, the focus remains on the rescue efforts and providing support to the affected families. Emergency response teams are working tirelessly to locate and assist those still missing. They are also extending psychological support and immediate aid to those rescued and their relatives. The community has rallied to provide necessary supplies and moral support to both victims and rescue workers.

As the situation develops, more information is expected to emerge about both the cause of the collapse and the status of the remaining missing individuals. The German authorities are likely to hold a press conference to brief the public and media on the rescue progress and any new findings. For now, the priority remains to ensure the safety of the rescuers and the swift recovery of the missing individuals.