A 9-story building under construction completely collapsed in Angeles City, Pampanga Province, Philippines. Nineteen people have survived, while about 30 to 40 others are believed trapped under the rubble. A large-scale search operation is underway amid challenges posed by high-voltage power lines nearby.
A nine-story concrete building, under construction as a hotel or aparthotel, violently collapsed on Teodoro Street in Balibago village early today (24 May) at around 03:00. This prompted multiple disaster relief agencies to urgently mobilize forces for rescue efforts.
Jay Pelayo, the public relations officer for Angeles City, reported from the local command center that the situation beneath the rubble remains unclear. Officials are fully committed to the search plan. So far, there have been no reports of hearing cries for help from under the debris, but rescue teams have already spread out across the area.
Reports state that eight people near the scene at the time of the collapse were safely rescued. All were passersby who only sustained minor scratches, were able to walk independently, and remain in stable condition.
Additionally, the construction foreman and ten workers managed to run to safety from the collapsing building without injuries. They are now under the care of local authorities. However, preliminary information from the foreman raises serious concerns as about 30 to 40 people are still believed to be trapped inside the building.
Carmelo Lazatin Jr., mayor of Angeles City, personally arrived on site to lead coordination of rescue efforts alongside the Angeles City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, the Philippine National Police, the fire department, and local officials.
Rescue operations face high risks and difficulties due to fallen electric poles and damaged electrical infrastructure blocking access to the collapse site. Officials are working with extreme caution to ensure safety.
Regarding the investigation, local authorities have begun reviewing the building’s construction history and legal status. They are urgently verifying whether proper permits were obtained. So far, officials have not been contacted by the project’s management or owners.
Concerning whether the incident was related to recent severe thunderstorms that struck the city the day before, officials say it is too early to conclude that the heavy rain caused the structural failure. Detailed inspections are still pending.
. ABS-CBN