9-Story Building Collapses in Angeles City: Rescuers Search for Missing Workers
9-Story Building Collapses in Angeles City: Rescuers Search for Missing Workers
Rescue teams race against time after a 9-story building collapses in the Philippines. Dozens are rescued, but nearly 20 remain missing. Here's what we know.
A massive nine-story building under construction in Angeles City, Philippines, collapsed early Sunday morning, leaving nearly 20 workers unaccounted for and prompting a frantic search and rescue operation. The incident occurred around 3:00 am, approximately 80 kilometers north of the capital, Manila, catching workers and nearby residents off guard.
Local officials reported that the unfinished concrete structure's walls and scaffolding suddenly buckled, sending heavy debris crashing down. The collapse was so severe that it also damaged a neighboring apartment-style hotel. Rescue teams, including firefighters, police, and disaster-response units, arrived quickly on the scene, utilizing sniffer dogs and even their bare hands to search for those trapped beneath the rubble.
So far, the rescue efforts have seen some success. Initial reports indicate that 24 people were rescued from the debris, while two others were pulled from the hotel that was struck during the collapse. City information officer Jay Pelayo stated that those rescued are currently in stable condition. However, the fate of 19 other personnel who usually report to the site remains a major concern.
Authorities are currently interviewing survivors to confirm their identities and determine if any of the missing workers are among the group already rescued. The rescue mission faces significant challenges, as large chunks of concrete must be moved to reach deeper into the pile. Heavy lifting equipment is being deployed to assist the teams on the ground.
As of now, the cause of the collapse remains unknown. Investigations will likely begin once the search for survivors is concluded. For now, the focus remains entirely on finding the missing workers and ensuring the safety of the surrounding area.
