Manila, May 25: A building collapse in Angeles City, located in the northern Pampanga province of the Philippines, has resulted in the deaths of four individuals. Authorities reported on Monday that 17 people are still unaccounted for as rescue operations continue.
According to the local fire bureau, three bodies have been recovered from the debris, including that of a Malaysian national who was staying at a nearby hotel and was struck by falling rubble.
Local media indicated that by Sunday afternoon, at least 26 individuals had been rescued, with 24 coming from the collapsed building and two from the adjacent hotel. Ten of those rescued sustained injuries and have been hospitalized.
The incident occurred following heavy rainfall and strong winds on Saturday night. The weather bureau recorded approximately 44 mm of rain in Angeles City between 7 PM and 8 PM.
Vince Dizon, the Secretary of the Department of Public Works, stated that rescue efforts are challenging due to unstable debris and exposed electrical wires, posing risks to rescuers.
According to the Xinhua news agency, residents from nearby areas have been relocated to safer locations.
Among the deceased is a 65-year-old Malaysian citizen, whose body was discovered on Sunday in a nearby hotel building affected by the collapse.
Fire bureau spokesperson Sajili noted that rescue operations are particularly difficult after a building collapse, as any movement by rescuers can further destabilize the debris and potentially harm those trapped beneath.
Records show that the collapsed structure was originally permitted to be a nine-story condo-hotel. However, authorities revealed that a tenth floor was under construction for a swimming pool.
Leave a Comment