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Wall collapses in Houston mall; at least 2 dead
January 30, 1997Web posted at: 12:00 p.m. EST
HOUSTON (CNN) -- At least two people were killed and several others injured Thursday morning when a wall at a Houston mall collapsed as employees and shoppers prepared for the beginning of the business day.
Rescuers began combing through the rubble at the
Northline Mall, attempting to reach anyone who could be
trapped underneath the debris. 
(1.4MB/25 sec. QuickTime movie)
"Reports are that some people were walking in that particular area and we just don't know how many," Houston Fire Chief Eddie Corral said. "We'll just have to see as we pull the rocks and things out."
The wall collapsed at about 9 a.m. (10 a.m. EST) in a store that was undergoing renovations. But it was not immediately clear what caused the collapse, authorities said. The section of the wall that collapsed was about 18 feet high and 150 feet long.
Rick Flanigan, a spokesman for the Houston Fire Department, said an employee had just greeted shoppers walking into the mall when a loud noise echoed throughout the building. "Apparently that's when the collapse took place," he said.
Earlier officials had said three were dead. The identities of those killed have not been released. Flanigan said at least one of the injured is in critical condition.
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