The death toll has risen to 11 and three others were still missing after the collapse of a building in the Brazilian city of Recife, capital of the state of Pernambuco, civil defense authorities said.

Two young children, including an 8-year-old and a 5-year-old, were listed among the victims.

Another seven people were injured but are in stable condition, according to the authorities. 

Officials said the incident occurred at about 6:35 a.m. local time Friday when many residents were likely still sleeping.

The building had a ground floor and three other floors, with four apartments on each. 

Drone footage captured by Reuters showed the four-story apartment building reduced to rubble, as firefighters and rescue workers rushed around the site.

It was not immediately clear what caused the collapse.

The Recife Metropolitan Area has been affected by heavy rains since Thursday night, which made it more difficult for the fire department to search for the missing.

(With input from agencies)