Three killed in Egypt-Gaza smuggling tunnel collapse

An Egyptian medical official says three Palestinians have been pulled from a collapsed smuggling tunnel between Gaza and Egypt.

Imad Kharboush, head of the Northern Sinai ambulance department, said the tunnel collapsed early Saturday while smugglers were digging an exit on the Egyptian side, just north of the Rafah crossing.

According to a Hamas security official, the tunnel extended to an area in Gaza called Shaaout, where four Palestinians were pulled out alive.

The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he is not authorized to speak to media.

In recent months, 45 people have died in tunnel collapses.

The Palestinians use tunnels to smuggle in cash and goods ranging from underwear to cigarettes.