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At least three workers have died after scaffolding collapsed at a construction site in the German city of Hamburg, according to officials.

Others have been injured, including at least one person who is in a critical condition.

The incident happened on Monday morning at the Uberseequartier in the HafenCity district - one of the biggest construction sites in the city.

The scaffolding collapsed from the eighth floor down into a lift shaft.

An unknown number of people are still missing - thought to have been buried under the debris.

The fire department initially said five people had lost their lives - but they have now revised that number down.

According to German media, dozens of emergency service staff are at the site, which has been evacuated.

"Currently a very difficult technical rescue operation by fire brigade rescuers is under way," Philipp Baumann, a spokesman for the Hamburg Fire Department, told German broadcaster ZDF.

"The fire service is working flat out".

Hundreds of people are currently employed at the construction site - part of a major redevelopment that features offices, houses, hotels and shops.