At least 17 workers were killed and one other badly injured after a construction lift collapsed in central China's Hunan Province Saturday.

An expert examines the collapsed construction lift at the site of the accident, Changsha City, Central China's Hunan Province, December 27, 2008. [Xinhua]

It occurred at about 7:30 AM at a high-rise real estate complex being built in downtown Changsha, the provincial capital, according to the municipal government.

A construction worker, surnamed Xie, told Xinhua that the lift was ascending with 18 people aboard when it plummeted. It happened just after five workers got off at the 17th floor.

The lift only has a designed capacity for carrying 12 people.

Work on the 30th floor of the No. 19 building has been underway recently. There are three more floors to complete before the apartment complex is finished.

The project, Shanghai City, was developed by Hunan-based Dongfanghong construction group, which was established in 1965.

Police detained the company's general manager, project chief, and the lift operator, according to Li Xinmin, deputy head of the municipal public security bureau.

The injured worker has been sent to the hospital. His condition is unknown.

Experts were examining the damaged lift and officials with the provincial work safety watchdog were investigating the accident along with police.