7 dead in Genoa cargo ship crash

Seven people have died after a container ship crashed into a control tower in the busy Italian port of Genoa, according to rescuers.

Prosecutors were investigating whether there was a possible mechanical malfunction which left the captain unable to steer the vessel, Italian media reported.

The Jolly Nero crashed into the 50 metre high tower at around 11pm (21.00 GMT) on Tuesday, leading to its collapse into the water.

Four people have been hospitalised following the incident, while a further two people remain missing.

Footage of the scene in the Italian port city of Genoa where a container ship crashed into a control tower yesterday evening.

Three people have been confirmed death and emergency workers are continuing to search for up to six people believed to be missing.

Three people were killed and six are missing after a container ship crashed into a control tower in the northern Italian port city of Genoa yesterday.

Two of the dead were Coast Guard officials and the third was a pilot for the port, a Coast Guard spokesman said.

The tower, which was more than 160 feet high, collapsed after being struck by the Jolly Nero.

Three people were believed to have been trapped in the lift of the control tower and may have fallen into the sea.

The cause of the crash is not yet unclear.

At least three people have been killed and six injured when a container ship rammed a control tower in the northern Italian port of Genoa late last night, according to local media.

Ten more people are still missing after the accident, which destroyed one of the harbour's main control towers, according to the head of the Genoa Port Authority Luigi Merlo. Speaking on local television Mr Merlo said they do not know what caused the collision.

"It is a terrible tragedy. At the moment there is no explanation for the accident."

A cargo ship crashed into the port in Genoa, Italy, toppling the control tower and killing at least three people, the Associated Press reports.

Local news agency LaPresse said six people remain unaccounted for and are believed to be trapped under the tower lift.