Deadly Building Collapse in Philippines Leaves Dozens Trapped
A major rescue effort is underway in the Philippines after a nine-storey building under construction collapsed in Angeles City, north of Manila, trapping dozens of people under concrete debris and twisted metal.
Authorities confirmed that at least one person was killed while 21 others remained missing following the collapse, which happened before dawn on Sunday in Pampanga province. Most of those believed trapped are construction workers who had been staying inside or near the unfinished structure.
Emergency officials said at least 24 workers either escaped on their own or were rescued shortly after the building crumbled around 2:30am. Hundreds of rescuers, including firefighters, police officers, disaster-response teams, and medical personnel, were deployed to the site as operations continued throughout the day.
Rescue teams reported hearing voices from beneath the rubble, raising hopes that more survivors could still be found. Authorities said crews were working cautiously because the site remained unstable, with fears of further collapse complicating the operation. Sniffer dogs, heartbeat detection equipment, and heavy machinery were also brought in to assist search efforts.
The collapse also affected nearby buildings in the crowded neighbourhood. Officials confirmed that a 65-year-old Malaysian tourist was killed after debris struck a nearby lodging house, while another tourist suffered injuries.
Witnesses said heavy rain and strong winds hit the area several hours before the incident. Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the collapse, with reports suggesting the building had been approved as a nine-storey development but may have included additional unauthorised construction work.
Relatives of the missing gathered near the disaster zone as rescue operations continued overnight. Many families described scenes of panic and devastation as emergency crews searched through concrete slabs and collapsed scaffolding for survivors.
Angeles City, located about 80 kilometres north of Manila, is a major commercial and tourism hub built around the former Clark Air Base, once one of the largest United States military facilities in Asia.
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