A thirteen-storey building often used to house holidaymakers over the summer months has collapsed in Egypt, leaving numerous people buried under rubble. 

The building in Egypt's northern city of Alexandria suffered a catastrophic collapse this morning, sending clouds of smoke into the sky.

The exact number of people trapped beneath the rubble is unknown.

Civil defence first responders gathered at the scene of the collapsed 13-storey building in the Sidi Bishr district. 

The rescue teams are still searching the site, trying to locate survivors and clear away the debris after several cars reportedly crashed into the rubble.

Municipal officials have not yet provided an official count of casualties, but the Alexandria state governor Muhammad al-Sharif said the building was ripped apart by a 'vertical split'.

The governor said the building was usually rented out to holidaymakers during the summer months. There was also a supermarket in one of the ground-floor properties.

He added that the top floor had been removed prior to the collapse after residents became concerned of its stability.  

Eyewitnesses reportedly said they heard an explosion before the building collapsed. 

Nearby hospitals have been on high alert and prepared for the arrival of potential victims, reports suggest. 

Footage circulating on social media shows crowds gathering next to the rubble of the collapsed building, watching the rescue teams as they attempt to clear away the rubble. 

Videos show bulldozers attempting to remove the rubble while horrified locals gather around the rescue teams.