Fire brigade officials said that some more people were feared trapped inside the debris and efforts were on to rescue them.

The incident occurred near the congested Saudagarni Pol locality in Kalupur, police said, adding some adjacent houses were also damaged in the incident. Chief fire officer, Ahmedabad city, Rajesh Bhatt said five persons were killed, while seven others, including a fire official, were injured and are undergoing treatment at a hospital here.

Rescue operation were being hampered due to the narrow approach road leading to the site in a densely populated areas, the officials said. Officials of the Emergency Response Service (ERS) said five of their ambulances have been deployed in the area and people are being taken to hospital.

Deputy Municipal Commissioner I R Patel said the building was illegal and an inquiry would be launched into the incident.