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North Korea reports 'serious accident' after Pyongyang building collapses

By Jethro Mullen, CNN

Updated 0042 GMT (0842 HKT) May 19, 2014

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A North Korean official apologizes on Saturday, May 17, in front of residents and families of victims of an accident at an apartment construction site in Pyongyang, North Korea.
Photos: Photos: North Korea apologizes for building collapse
North Korea apologizes for building collapse – A North Korean official apologizes on Saturday, May 17, in front of residents and families of victims of an accident at an apartment construction site in Pyongyang, North Korea.
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North Korean women listen as the official apologizes.
Photos: Photos: North Korea apologizes for building collapse
North Korea apologizes for building collapse – North Korean women listen as the official apologizes.
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The official bows before the victims' families.
Photos: Photos: North Korea apologizes for building collapse
North Korea apologizes for building collapse – The official bows before the victims' families.
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A South Korean government official said the building had 23 floors and estimated that as many as 92 families might have been living inside. The South Korean government closely monitors events in North Korea.
Photos: Photos: North Korea apologizes for building collapse
North Korea apologizes for building collapse – A South Korean government official said the building had 23 floors and estimated that as many as 92 families might have been living inside. The South Korean government closely monitors events in North Korea.
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The construction of the building "was not done properly, and officials supervised and controlled it in an irresponsible manner," the Korean Central News Agency reported. Pyongyang residents were "greatly shocked," it said.
Photos: Photos: North Korea apologizes for building collapse
North Korea apologizes for building collapse – The construction of the building "was not done properly, and officials supervised and controlled it in an irresponsible manner," the Korean Central News Agency reported. Pyongyang residents were "greatly shocked," it said.
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Story highlights

  • Dozens of families may have been in the building, a South Korean official says
  • North Korea state media report "casualties" but don't provide any specific numbers
  • The accident took place at an apartment building under construction in Pyongyang
  • KCNA: Leader Kim Jong Un "sat up all night, feeling painful" after hearing the news
An apartment building in the North Korean capital collapsed in what state media described as a "serious accident" that caused an unspecified number of casualties.
The unusual, apologetic report Sunday from the North's state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said the collapse took place Tuesday at the construction site of an apartment building in Phyongchon, a central district of Pyongyang.
"The accident claimed casualties," the agency reported without providing details on the number of people killed and injured. Rescue efforts were abandoned on Saturday, the agency said.
A South Korean government official said the building had 23 floors, estimating that as many as 92 families might have been living inside. It's common for people to move into North Korean buildings before construction is completed, the official said.
The South Korean government closely monitors activities in North Korea.
A stern looking North Korean guard by the Chinese border customs office. This image was deleted by North Korean officials.
Photos: The photos N. Korea banned
A stern looking North Korean guard by the Chinese border customs office. This image was deleted by North Korean officials.
Photos: The photos N. Korea banned
Photos North Korea didn't want you to see – A stern looking North Korean guard by the Chinese border customs office. This image was deleted by North Korean officials.
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Writer Johan Nylander and his guide, Ko Chang Ho, watch as a North Korean guard deletes 90 photos deemed unacceptable. Nylander was able to recover the photos with the help of an IT specialist -- the images that follow are an edited selection.
Photos: The photos N. Korea banned
Deleting the offensive photos – Writer Johan Nylander and his guide, Ko Chang Ho, watch as a North Korean guard deletes 90 photos deemed unacceptable. Nylander was able to recover the photos with the help of an IT specialist -- the images that follow are an edited selection.
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This propaganda monument of "Dear Leader" Kim Jong-Il by a countryside road, not far from the border to China, was deleted by authorities. North Korea required images of leaders be full body shots.
Photos: The photos N. Korea banned
Hello, Dear Leader – This propaganda monument of "Dear Leader" Kim Jong-Il by a countryside road, not far from the border to China, was deleted by authorities. North Korea required images of leaders be full body shots.
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People standing by the train track, while a guard is monitoring the bike race.
Photos: The photos N. Korea banned
Waiting for a train – People standing by the train track, while a guard is monitoring the bike race.
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In the city of Rason, people are leaning out of windows to get a glimpse of the Western cyclists.
Photos: The photos N. Korea banned
Watching the race – In the city of Rason, people are leaning out of windows to get a glimpse of the Western cyclists.
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A woman and a man walking by the side of the road lined with cornfields.
Photos: The photos N. Korea banned
Pedestrian peasants – A woman and a man walking by the side of the road lined with cornfields.
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Villagers waving by the race path.
Photos: The photos N. Korea banned
Village life – Villagers waving by the race path.
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Guards and custom officials by the border to China.
Photos: The photos N. Korea banned
Heavy security – Guards and custom officials by the border to China.
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By the border checkpoint next to the Tumen River, North Korean customs officials can play volleyball. Officials prohibited any photos of North Korean military bases.
Photos: The photos N. Korea banned
Secret volleyball court? – By the border checkpoint next to the Tumen River, North Korean customs officials can play volleyball. Officials prohibited any photos of North Korean military bases.
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Peasants and villagers standing by the road to look at the Western cyclists
Photos: The photos N. Korea banned
Photos North Korea didn't want you to see – Peasants and villagers standing by the road to look at the Western cyclists
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Guard keeping an eye on the bikers next to a small village.
Photos: The photos N. Korea banned
Keeping watch – Guard keeping an eye on the bikers next to a small village.
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Kids playing outside village houses.
Photos: The photos N. Korea banned
Photos North Korea didn't want you to see – Kids playing outside village houses.
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Spectators waiting for the bikers to reach the finish line. In the background the "Great" and "Dear Leaders" Kim Il Sung and his son, Kim Jong-Il.
Photos: The photos N. Korea banned
Waiting for the cyclists – Spectators waiting for the bikers to reach the finish line. In the background the "Great" and "Dear Leaders" Kim Il Sung and his son, Kim Jong-Il.
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Huge crowds -- some of whom standing on their own bikes -- as they await cyclists by the race finish line in Rason.
Photos: The photos N. Korea banned
Standing on bikes to see cyclists – Huge crowds -- some of whom standing on their own bikes -- as they await cyclists by the race finish line in Rason.
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Custom official and tourist bureau guide checking foreigners' passports.
Photos: The photos N. Korea banned
Document check – Custom official and tourist bureau guide checking foreigners' passports.
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Guides from the local tourist bureau handing out water bottles to bikers, monitored by a guard in the background.
Photos: The photos N. Korea banned
Water checkpoint – Guides from the local tourist bureau handing out water bottles to bikers, monitored by a guard in the background.
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Journalist Johan Nylander and his North Korean guide, Ko Chang Ho. <em>EDITOR'S NOTE: This image was not among those deleted by North Korean officials. </em>
Photos: The photos N. Korea banned
Writer and his minder – Journalist Johan Nylander and his North Korean guide, Ko Chang Ho. EDITOR'S NOTE: This image was not among those deleted by North Korean officials.
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Kenny Zhu visited North Korea from China and captured North Korea using his Google Glass. He was allowed to wear the wearable camera as long as "everything reflects the positive side of DPRK."
Photos: North Korea through a Google Glass lens
Kenny Zhu visited North Korea from China and captured North Korea using his Google Glass. He was allowed to wear the wearable camera as long as "everything reflects the positive side of DPRK."
Photos: North Korea through a Google Glass lens
'OK Glass' – Kenny Zhu visited North Korea from China and captured North Korea using his Google Glass. He was allowed to wear the wearable camera as long as "everything reflects the positive side of DPRK."
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The words beside the two photos translate roughly as "Long live the The Great Leader Kim Jong-un," and "Long Live the Sun-Like Workers' Party of Korea."
Photos: North Korea through a Google Glass lens
Kim's family photo – The words beside the two photos translate roughly as "Long live the The Great Leader Kim Jong-un," and "Long Live the Sun-Like Workers' Party of Korea."
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The Mansudae Grand Monument is where North Koreans line up to place flowers at the foot of the gigantic statue of Kim Il Sung.
Photos: North Korea through a Google Glass lens
Mansudae Grand Monuments – The Mansudae Grand Monument is where North Koreans line up to place flowers at the foot of the gigantic statue of Kim Il Sung.
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"The banner said something like 'Fully execute the missions that our beloved General Kim Jung-un mentioned in this year's New Year Statement' -- I know some basic Korean," says Zhu.
Photos: North Korea through a Google Glass lens
Remember what Kim said – "The banner said something like 'Fully execute the missions that our beloved General Kim Jung-un mentioned in this year's New Year Statement' -- I know some basic Korean," says Zhu.
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Zhu noticed that the DMZ uses Samsung air conditioners, a South Korean brand.
Photos: North Korea through a Google Glass lens
South Korean air cons found – Zhu noticed that the DMZ uses Samsung air conditioners, a South Korean brand.
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One tour guide told Zhu that from his only visit to China, he discovered China has series pollution problems.
Photos: North Korea through a Google Glass lens
Workers' Party of Korea Memorial Sculpture – One tour guide told Zhu that from his only visit to China, he discovered China has series pollution problems.
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Zhu also recorded two videos from the Pyongyang metro station. The short clips can be viewed on his original<a href="http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-1130606"> iReport submission: North Korea..through Google Glass</a>.
Photos: North Korea through a Google Glass lens
Pyongyang metro – Zhu also recorded two videos from the Pyongyang metro station. The short clips can be viewed on his original iReport submission: North Korea..through Google Glass.
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North Korean leader Kim Jong Un meets with North Korea's first female fighter jet pilots in this undated photo released by the country's state media on Monday, June 22. He called the women "heroes of Korea" and "flowers of the sky."
Photos: Kim Jong Un and North Korea's military
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un meets with North Korea's first female fighter jet pilots in this undated photo released by the country's state media on Monday, June 22. He called the women "heroes of Korea" and "flowers of the sky."
Photos: Kim Jong Un and North Korea's military
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un meets with North Korea's first female fighter jet pilots in this undated photo released by the country's state media on Monday, June 22. He called the women "heroes of Korea" and "flowers of the sky."
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Kim stands on the snow-covered top of Mount Paektu in North Korea in a photo taken by North Korean newspaper Rodong Sinmun on April 18 and released the next day by South Korean news agency Yonhap. Kim scaled the country's highest mountain, North Korean state-run media reported, arriving at the summit to tell soldiers that the hike provides mental energy more powerful than nuclear weapons.
Photos: Kim Jong Un and North Korea's military
Kim stands on the snow-covered top of Mount Paektu in North Korea in a photo taken by North Korean newspaper Rodong Sinmun on April 18 and released the next day by South Korean news agency Yonhap. Kim scaled the country's highest mountain, North Korean state-run media reported, arriving at the summit to tell soldiers that the hike provides mental energy more powerful than nuclear weapons.
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Kim Jong Un, center, poses with soldiers on the snow-covered top of Mount Paektu in an April 18 photo released by South Korean news agency Yonhap.
Photos: Kim Jong Un and North Korea's military
Kim Jong Un, center, poses with soldiers on the snow-covered top of Mount Paektu in an April 18 photo released by South Korean news agency Yonhap.
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Kim visits the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun in Pyongyang, North Korea, on April 15 to celebrate the 103rd birth anniversary of his grandfather, North Korean founder Kim Il Sung.
Photos: Kim Jong Un and North Korea's military
Kim visits the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun in Pyongyang, North Korea, on April 15 to celebrate the 103rd birth anniversary of his grandfather, North Korean founder Kim Il Sung.
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Kim inspects a drill for seizing an island at an undisclosed location in North Korea in an undated picture released by North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency on February 21.
Photos: Kim Jong Un and North Korea's military
Kim inspects a drill for seizing an island at an undisclosed location in North Korea in an undated picture released by North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency on February 21.
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Kim speaks during a meeting of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea in Pyongyang, North Korea, in this photo released February 19 by the state-run Korean Central News Agency.
Photos: Kim Jong Un and North Korea's military
Kim speaks during a meeting of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea in Pyongyang, North Korea, in this photo released February 19 by the state-run Korean Central News Agency.
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A picture released by the North Korean Central News Agency shows North Korean leader Kim Jong Un appearing without his cane at an event with military commanders in Pyongyang on Tuesday, November 4. Kim, who recently disappeared from public view for about six weeks, <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2014/10/28/world/asia/kim-jong-un-cyst/index.html">had a cyst removed</a> from his right ankle, a lawmaker told CNN.
Photos: Kim Jong Un and North Korea's military
A picture released by the North Korean Central News Agency shows North Korean leader Kim Jong Un appearing without his cane at an event with military commanders in Pyongyang on Tuesday, November 4. Kim, who recently disappeared from public view for about six weeks, had a cyst removed from his right ankle, a lawmaker told CNN.
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Kim is seen walking with a cane in this image released Thursday, October 30, by the state-run Korean Central News Agency.
Photos: Kim Jong Un and North Korea's military
Kim is seen walking with a cane in this image released Thursday, October 30, by the state-run Korean Central News Agency.
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Kim sits in the pilot's seat of a fighter jet during the inspection.
Photos: Kim Jong Un and North Korea's military
Kim sits in the pilot's seat of a fighter jet during the inspection.
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This undated photo, released Tuesday, October 14, by the KCNA, shows Kim inspecting a housing complex in Pyongyang, North Korea. International speculation about Kim went into overdrive after he failed to attend events on Friday, October 10, the 65th anniversary of the Workers' Party. He hadn't been seen in public since he reportedly attended a concert with his wife on September 3.
Photos: Kim Jong Un and North Korea's military
This undated photo, released Tuesday, October 14, by the KCNA, shows Kim inspecting a housing complex in Pyongyang, North Korea. International speculation about Kim went into overdrive after he failed to attend events on Friday, October 10, the 65th anniversary of the Workers' Party. He hadn't been seen in public since he reportedly attended a concert with his wife on September 3.
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A picture released by the KCNA shows Kim and his wife watching a performance by the Moranbong Band on Wednesday, September 3, in Pyongyang.
Photos: Kim Jong Un and North Korea's military
A picture released by the KCNA shows Kim and his wife watching a performance by the Moranbong Band on Wednesday, September 3, in Pyongyang.
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Kim tours a front-line military unit in this image released Wednesday, July 16, by the KCNA.
Photos: Kim Jong Un and North Korea's military
Kim tours a front-line military unit in this image released Wednesday, July 16, by the KCNA.
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Kim poses for a photo as he oversees a tactical rocket-firing drill in June.
Photos: Kim Jong Un and North Korea's military
Kim poses for a photo as he oversees a tactical rocket-firing drill in June.
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Kim watches a tactical rocket-firing drill in June.
Photos: Kim Jong Un and North Korea's military
Kim watches a tactical rocket-firing drill in June.
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A North Korean soldier patrols the bank of the Yalu River, which separates the North Korean town of Sinuiju from the Chinese border town of Dandong, on Saturday, April 26.
Photos: Kim Jong Un and North Korea's military
A North Korean soldier patrols the bank of the Yalu River, which separates the North Korean town of Sinuiju from the Chinese border town of Dandong, on Saturday, April 26.
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In this photo released Thursday, April 24, by the Korean Central News Agency, Kim smiles with female soldiers after inspecting a rocket-launching drill at an undisclosed location.
Photos: Kim Jong Un and North Korea's military
In this photo released Thursday, April 24, by the Korean Central News Agency, Kim smiles with female soldiers after inspecting a rocket-launching drill at an undisclosed location.
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A picture released Tuesday, March 18, by the KCNA shows Kim attending a shooting practice at a military academy in Pyongyang.
Photos: Kim Jong Un and North Korea's military
A picture released Tuesday, March 18, by the KCNA shows Kim attending a shooting practice at a military academy in Pyongyang.
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A North Korean soldier uses binoculars on Thursday, February 6, to look at South Korea from the border village of Panmunjom, which has separated the two Koreas since the Korean War.
Photos: Kim Jong Un and North Korea's military
A North Korean soldier uses binoculars on Thursday, February 6, to look at South Korea from the border village of Panmunjom, which has separated the two Koreas since the Korean War.
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A North Korean soldier kicks a pole along the banks of the Yalu River on Tuesday, February 4.
Photos: Kim Jong Un and North Korea's military
A North Korean soldier kicks a pole along the banks of the Yalu River on Tuesday, February 4.
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A photo released by the KCNA on Thursday, January 23, shows the North Korean leader inspecting an army unit during a winter drill.
Photos: Kim Jong Un and North Korea's military
A photo released by the KCNA on Thursday, January 23, shows the North Korean leader inspecting an army unit during a winter drill.
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Kim inspects the command of an army unit in this undated photo released Sunday, January 12, by the KCNA.
Photos: Kim Jong Un and North Korea's military
Kim inspects the command of an army unit in this undated photo released Sunday, January 12, by the KCNA.
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Kim visits an army unit in this undated photo.
Photos: Kim Jong Un and North Korea's military
Kim visits an army unit in this undated photo.
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Kim inspects a military factory in this undated picture released by the KCNA in May 2013.
Photos: Kim Jong Un and North Korea's military
Kim inspects a military factory in this undated picture released by the KCNA in May 2013.
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Kim visits the Ministry of People's Security in 2013 as part of the country's May Day celebrations.
Photos: Kim Jong Un and North Korea's military
Kim visits the Ministry of People's Security in 2013 as part of the country's May Day celebrations.
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A North Korean soldier, near Sinuiju, gestures to stop photographers from taking photos in April 2013.
Photos: Kim Jong Un and North Korea's military
A North Korean soldier, near Sinuiju, gestures to stop photographers from taking photos in April 2013.
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North Korean soldiers patrol near the Yalu River in April 2013.
Photos: Kim Jong Un and North Korea's military
North Korean soldiers patrol near the Yalu River in April 2013.
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Kim is briefed by his generals in this undated photo. On the wall is a map titled "Plan for the strategic forces to target mainland U.S."
Photos: Kim Jong Un and North Korea's military
Kim is briefed by his generals in this undated photo. On the wall is a map titled "Plan for the strategic forces to target mainland U.S."
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Kim works during a briefing in this undated photo.
Photos: Kim Jong Un and North Korea's military
Kim works during a briefing in this undated photo.
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In this KCNA photo, Kim inspects naval drills at an undisclosed location on North Korea's east coast in March 2013.
Photos: Kim Jong Un and North Korea's military
In this KCNA photo, Kim inspects naval drills at an undisclosed location on North Korea's east coast in March 2013.
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Kim, with North Korean soldiers, makes his way to an observation post in March 2013.
Photos: Kim Jong Un and North Korea's military
Kim, with North Korean soldiers, makes his way to an observation post in March 2013.
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Kim uses a pair of binoculars to look south from the Jangjae Islet Defense Detachment, near South Korea's Taeyonphyong Island, in March 2013.
Photos: Kim Jong Un and North Korea's military
Kim uses a pair of binoculars to look south from the Jangjae Islet Defense Detachment, near South Korea's Taeyonphyong Island, in March 2013.
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Kim is greeted by a soldier's family as he inspects the Jangjae Islet Defense Detachment in March 2013.
Photos: Kim Jong Un and North Korea's military
Kim is greeted by a soldier's family as he inspects the Jangjae Islet Defense Detachment in March 2013.
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Kim is surrounded by soldiers during a visit to the Mu Islet Hero Defense Detachment, also near Taeyonphyong Island, in March 2013.
Photos: Kim Jong Un and North Korea's military
Kim is surrounded by soldiers during a visit to the Mu Islet Hero Defense Detachment, also near Taeyonphyong Island, in March 2013.
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Kim arrives at Jangjae Islet by boat to meet with soldiers of the Jangjae Islet Defense Detachment in March 2013.
Photos: Kim Jong Un and North Korea's military
Kim arrives at Jangjae Islet by boat to meet with soldiers of the Jangjae Islet Defense Detachment in March 2013.
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Soldiers in the North Korean army train at an undisclosed location in March 2013.
Photos: Kim Jong Un and North Korea's military
Soldiers in the North Korean army train at an undisclosed location in March 2013.
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In a photo released by the official North Korean news agency in December 2012, Kim celebrates a rocket's launch with staff from the satellite control center in Pyongyang.
Photos: Kim Jong Un and North Korea's military
In a photo released by the official North Korean news agency in December 2012, Kim celebrates a rocket's launch with staff from the satellite control center in Pyongyang.
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Kim, center, poses in this undated picture released by North Korea's official news agency in November 2012.
Photos: Kim Jong Un and North Korea's military
Kim, center, poses in this undated picture released by North Korea's official news agency in November 2012.
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Kim visits the Rungna People's Pleasure Ground, under construction in Pyongyang, in a photo released in July 2012 by the KCNA.
Photos: Kim Jong Un and North Korea's military
Kim visits the Rungna People's Pleasure Ground, under construction in Pyongyang, in a photo released in July 2012 by the KCNA.
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A crowd watches as statues of North Korean founder Kim Il Sung and his son Kim Jong Il are unveiled during a ceremony in Pyongyang in April 2012.
Photos: Kim Jong Un and North Korea's military
A crowd watches as statues of North Korean founder Kim Il Sung and his son Kim Jong Il are unveiled during a ceremony in Pyongyang in April 2012.
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A North Korean soldier stands guard in front of an UNHA III rocket at the Tangachai-ri Space Center in April 2012.
Photos: Kim Jong Un and North Korea's military
A North Korean soldier stands guard in front of an UNHA III rocket at the Tangachai-ri Space Center in April 2012.
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In April 2012, Pyongyang launched a long-range rocket that broke apart and fell into the sea. Here, the UNHA III rocket is pictured on its launch pad in Tang Chung Ri, North Korea.
Photos: Kim Jong Un and North Korea's military
In April 2012, Pyongyang launched a long-range rocket that broke apart and fell into the sea. Here, the UNHA III rocket is pictured on its launch pad in Tang Chung Ri, North Korea.
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A closer look at the UNHA III rocket on its launch pad in Tang Chung Ri, North Korea.
Photos: Kim Jong Un and North Korea's military
– A closer look at the UNHA III rocket on its launch pad in Tang Chung Ri, North Korea.
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A military vehicle participates in a parade in Pyongyang in April 2012.
Photos: Kim Jong Un and North Korea's military
A military vehicle participates in a parade in Pyongyang in April 2012.
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North Korean soldiers relax at the end of an official ceremony attended by leader Kim Jong Un at a stadium in Pyongyang in April 2012.
Photos: Kim Jong Un and North Korea's military
North Korean soldiers relax at the end of an official ceremony attended by leader Kim Jong Un at a stadium in Pyongyang in April 2012.
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Kim Jong Un applauds as he watches a military parade in Pyongyang in April 2012.
Photos: Kim Jong Un and North Korea's military
Kim Jong Un applauds as he watches a military parade in Pyongyang in April 2012.
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A North Korean soldier stands on a balcony in Pyongyang in April 2012.
Photos: Kim Jong Un and North Korea's military
A North Korean soldier stands on a balcony in Pyongyang in April 2012.
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North Korean soldiers march during a military parade in Pyongyang in April 2012.
Photos: Kim Jong Un and North Korea's military
North Korean soldiers march during a military parade in Pyongyang in April 2012.
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Soldiers board a bus outside a theater in Pyongyang in April 2012.
Photos: Kim Jong Un and North Korea's military
Soldiers board a bus outside a theater in Pyongyang in April 2012.
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North Korean performers sit below a screen showing images of leader Kim Jong Un in Pyongyang in April 2012.
Photos: Kim Jong Un and North Korea's military
North Korean performers sit below a screen showing images of leader Kim Jong Un in Pyongyang in April 2012.
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North Korean soldiers salute during a military parade in Pyongyang in April 2012.
Photos: Kim Jong Un and North Korea's military
North Korean soldiers salute during a military parade in Pyongyang in April 2012.
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North Korean soldiers listen to a speech during an official ceremony attended by leader Kim Jong Un at a stadium in Pyongyang in April 2012.
Photos: Kim Jong Un and North Korea's military
North Korean soldiers listen to a speech during an official ceremony attended by leader Kim Jong Un at a stadium in Pyongyang in April 2012.
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Members of a North Korean military band gather following an official ceremony at the Kim Il Sung stadium in Pyongyang in April 2012.
Photos: Kim Jong Un and North Korea's military
Members of a North Korean military band gather following an official ceremony at the Kim Il Sung stadium in Pyongyang in April 2012.
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North Korean military personnel watch a performance in Pyongyang in April 2012.
Photos: Kim Jong Un and North Korea's military
North Korean military personnel watch a performance in Pyongyang in April 2012.
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A North Korean controller is seen along the railway line between the Pyongyang and North Pyongan provinces in April 2012.
Photos: Kim Jong Un and North Korea's military
A North Korean controller is seen along the railway line between the Pyongyang and North Pyongan provinces in April 2012.
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A North Korean military honor guard stands at attention at Pyongyang's airport in May 2001.
Photos: Kim Jong Un and North Korea's military
A North Korean military honor guard stands at attention at Pyongyang's airport in May 2001.
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The construction of the building "was not done properly and officials supervised and controlled it in an irresponsible manner," KCNA reported. Pyongyang residents were "greatly shocked" it said.
Kim Jong Un upset
The secretive North Korean regime rarely calls attention to problems within its borders.
The publication of the state media report, which contained a series of apologies from senior public officials, suggests it was a severe calamity.
Kim Jong Un, the country's leader, "sat up all night, feeling painful after being told about the accident" and put aside "all other affairs," KCNA reported, citing Kim Su Gil, the chief secretary of the Pyongyang City Committee of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea.
Minister of People's Security Choe Pu Il described the accident as "unimaginable," according to the news agency.
Kim Su Gil said authorities are taking steps to help the families of the victims and provide them with new housing, supporting the conclusion that people were living in the building while it was still under construction.
Among the disasters that North Korea has taken the rare step of acknowledging publicly are floods in 2012 that killed scores of people and an explosion at a train station in 2004 that caused hundreds of casualties.