Earthquake death toll rises

Officials now say at least five children were killed in southern Italy today when an earthquake brought their nursery school roof down on top of them.

And there are fears this figure will rise further as many people are believed to be trapped underneath the rubble.

Hours after the quake struck, rescue workers climbed over the rubble of the collapsed school searching for survivors, as parents kept behind police tape frantically screamed out the names of children believed inside.

Firefighters rescued dusty, dazed children from under the concrete slabs as residents, some with their faces painted for the annual “trick or treat” Halloween festivities, waited for information.

“They were all together in the school because they were having a Halloween party,” said Tonino Scarlatelli, an official in the Molise regional president’s office.

“Many buildings have collapsed throughout the village, we fear there might be other victims outside of the school,” he added.