Sao Paulo  - The collapse of the roof during services at a Pentecostal church Sunday night in Sao Paulo left at least seven people dead, authorities said.

The failure of the so-called structure left at least 40 people injured, some seriously, according to media reports in Brazil.

It was unclear how many people were in the so-called temple building at the time of the disaster. A church representative said that 60 people were in attendance at the worship service, while witnesses described at least 150 and rescue workers said it could have been as high as 500.

The church, which is a former cinema, can hold up to 2,000 people.

Fire department officials suspect more victims remain trapped in the rubble. (dpa)