A man has been rescued from the rubble of a collapsed building in southern India.

Rescue workers are continuing their pain-staking search for survivors after the 11-story structure collapsed on Saturday killing at least 19 people.

Police have detained six construction company officials as part of their investigation into the incident.

Building collapses are common in India. High housing demand and lax regulations have encouraged builders to cut corners, use substandard materials or add unauthorised floors.

Many workers were said to be in the basement collecting their pay cheques when the building crumbled during the final stages of construction outside Chennai.

Seasonal monsoon rains have complicated the rescue mission, but workers said they hoped to find more people alive after rescuing the man.