Marsh: One staff feared dead, two missing in earthquake

One Marsh employee is believed dead and fears are growing for two other staff missing who worked at the broker's Christchurch office.

All three staff have been missing since the building was badly damaged in the 6.3 magnitude earthquake which struck on Monday.

Pacific regional head John Clayton said: "I can confirm that we have particular concerns about three of our colleagues, one of whom we believe has passed away, although we are awaiting official confirmation from the authorities. The other two colleagues remain unaccounted for.

"We have made contact with all other staff members who were situated in Christchurch at the time and we know that they and their families are safe."

Clayton said staff were in shock and it was a sad time for the company.

"We will continue to carefully monitor the progress of the rescue effort at the site of the collapsed building," he said.

According to the BBC on Thursday, 98 dead bodies have been pulled from the rubble and 226 people are missing. Two British citizens are among the dead.