At least 17 killed in Mozambique capital as pile of garbage collapses

Rescue workers clear rubbish as they continue to search for survivors [Courtesy]

At least 17 people died and several others were injured in Mozambique's capital early on Monday when a 15-metre pile of garbage collapsed due to heavy rain and buried seven houses, officials said.

The collapse happened at around 3 a.m in the impoverished Hulene neighbourhood, which is around 10 km from the centre of Maputo. The houses were built illegally and authorities had previously asked the residents to leave, officials said.