One person is reportedly dead and a number of others believed trapped in debris after a hotel collapsed in Argentina.

The 10-storey Dubrovnik hotel, in the coastal city of Villa Gesell, collapsed early on Tuesday, said Reuters news agency, quoting the local municipality.

Up to 15 people are believed to have been inside the hotel, which had recently been undergoing renovation.

Rescue teams are working at the scene attempting to free those thought to be trapped. Local media report that a man in his 80s died as a result of the incident.

Local authorities said building work at the hotel had been halted in August on the orders of the municipality, because the renovations were being carried out without the proper permits.