At least 4 killed after magnitude 6.1 earthquake rocks central Italy

The mayor of the quake-hit town of Accumoli says a family of four has been located under the debris of a collapsed building and but there are no signs of life.

Mayor Stefano Petrucci told state-run RaiNews24 that there was also another victim in the town, which is close to the epicenter of Italy’s 6.1 magnitude quake.

Officials say Accumoli and Amatrice have been the hardest hit by the quake. Residents across a broad swath of central Italy felt the temblor, which struck at 3:36 a.m. and sent people running into the streets.

The mayor of the Umbrian town of Amatrice, hit hard by the quake, says residents are buried under the debris of collapsed buildings and that “the town isn’t here anymore.”

Sergio Pirozzi told state-run RAI radio and Sky TG24 that he needs heavy equipment to clear rubble-clogged streets to get to the injured.

Asked if there were any dead he said: “Look there are houses that aren’t here anymore. I hope we get some help.”

The quake struck central Italy, near Rieti, shortly after 3:30 a.m. and was followed by several aftershocks.

AP