Angeles City: Rescue operations are underway in Angeles City, Philippines, after a nine-story building under construction collapsed, leaving around 23 workers feared trapped. Emergency teams are battling extreme heat and limited equipment as they race to locate survivors. One person has also been confirmed dead after a nearby hotel was damaged in the incident.
Emergency teams are facing difficult conditions as extreme heat and a lack of specialized rescue equipment slow down operations. Fire Superintendent Maria Leah Sajili said rescuers are in contact with at least two workers who remain trapped beneath the rubble.
“We need special equipment to extricate and save them,” she told reporters.
Authorities estimate that around 23 workers are trapped, based on attendance records of those scheduled to work at the site. Earlier rescue efforts saved 24 workers, and at least 10 of them were taken to hospital for treatment.
Separately, a Malaysian national staying at a nearby hotel damaged by the collapse was confirmed dead. His body was recovered by emergency responders, according to the Bureau of Fire Protection.
What Happened at the Site
The collapsed structure was a nine-story hybrid condominium hotel, which was undergoing expansion with the addition of a tenth floor, including a swimming pool.
Officials said the building had received its permit in 2023, with construction beginning in 2024. The exact cause of the collapse is still under investigation.
Angeles City information head Jay Pelayo stated that initial estimates suggested 30 to 40 people may have been trapped, though updated figures place the number lower.
Ongoing Rescue Operation
Rescue efforts are still underway, with emergency teams continuing to search through heavy debris. Authorities have urged patience and prayers as operations continue under challenging conditions.
This incident adds to past construction-related tragedies in the country, including a 2015 collapse in Taguig City that killed two people and injured several others.