Story highlights 37 people have been rescued and others are feared trapped

A fire broke out in the debris, potentially suffocating survivors

Mumbai, India (CNN) Authorities scrambled to rescue survivors from the rubble of a three-story building that collapsed on Thursday morning in southern Mumbai. At least 24 people were killed.

Mumbai firefighters were also trying to extinguish burning debris that could further endanger people who were still trapped in the building in Bhendi Bazaar, an area crowded with markets and shops.

"The fire in the debris continues to cause a hindrance in the rescue work and is possibly suffocating victims trapped in confined spaces," said Mumbai Fire Brigade Chief P.S. Rahangdale.

Rescue workers and residents look for survivors.

Thirty-seven people were rescued, many of whom were hospitalized. Seventeen were being treated and the remainder had been released, according to a Mumbai police spokesperson.

A spokesman for the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai said the building was 117 years old and had been deemed unsafe years ago, raising questions over why it was still inhabited.

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