In a tragic incident on Friday morning, three people lost their lives and eight others were injured when scaffolding collapsed from a 19-storey building under construction in Lausanne, Switzerland.

The collapse occurred around 9:30 am local time in Prilly, a suburb of Lausanne, causing the entire scaffolding structure on one side of the 60-meter tower to fall "like a house of cards," as described by witnesses. Construction workers who were on the scaffolding at the time plummeted to the ground, resulting in fatalities and injuries.

Regional police confirmed that three construction workers died in the incident: a 43-year-old Swiss man, a 35-year-old from Cape Verde, and a 30-year-old Frenchman. Families of the deceased were notified and were receiving psychological support.

Among the survivors, four were seriously injured and taken to nearby hospitals, while two others sustained moderate injuries. Rescue efforts involved yellow-clad firefighters navigating through twisted metal debris at the base of the building, with ongoing efforts to stabilize remaining parts of the scaffolding despite challenging weather conditions.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the collapse. Initial reports suggest that the freight elevator, used to transport workers and materials, may have fallen from around the 13th floor, triggering the scaffolding's collapse along with it. Eyewitnesses described hearing a sudden loud noise, likening the collapse to a bomb due to its intensity and rapidity.

Construction workers at the site indicated there were no notable safety concerns previously, though speculation arose that excessive weight in the elevator could have contributed to the tragic accident.

As investigations continue, the community in Lausanne mourns the loss of life and supports those affected by this devastating incident.