Updated

Authorities in Ghana have detained a municipal works official accused of allowing a building that collapsed to be built without a construction permit.

Rescue officials said Friday that the death toll from the collapse had risen to 18 and that authorities believe other bodies remain in the debris.

Carl Henry Clerk is accused of allowing the multi-story home goods store to go up even after being alerted that it had no permit.

The owner of the building, the engineer and the architect are sought by police.

The building collapsed into a heap of concrete rubble on Wednesday, trapping dozens of shoppers. Rescue officials say at least 78 survivors were pulled from the debris.