A strong earthquake measuring 6.3 on the Richter scale hit central Italy early Monday. Latest reports said six people had been killed, including an elderly woman and a baby girl. Unconfirmed reports said eight people were missing. Details are still sketchy but eyewitnesses said several buildings in the university town are reportedly collapsed with a number of people trapped in the buildings.

Reuters news agency quoted Italian officials as saying part of a university residence, a church tower and several houses collapsed but it was still not clear if there was anyone inside the dormitory at the time of the quake.