In a tragic incident early on Sunday morning, a nine-story building under construction collapsed in Angeles City, located north of Manila, Philippines. Search and rescue efforts are currently underway as authorities try to locate at least 21 workers who remain missing amidst the rubble.
Rescue Operations
Rescuers are “hearing voices” from within the debris, with 24 individuals having safely escaped or been rescued, according to police and other officials. The structure gave way following a severe thunderstorm in Pampanga province, prompting a rapid response from over 100 police officers and government personnel. Brig. Gen. Jess Mendez reported that while there have been no immediate fatalities, some survivors have sustained injuries.
Missing and Injured
Most of the 21 individuals who are unaccounted for are believed to be construction workers, according to Francis Pangilinan, head of the city’s disaster mitigation office, who was present at the scene. Additionally, two people, including a Malaysian tourist, suffered injuries from debris that fell from the collapsed building.
Search Efforts
Public Works Secretary Vinzon Dizon described the search efforts, which include firefighters, police, and disaster-response teams employing both manual searches and sniffer dogs. “There are some signs of life … voices can be heard,” Dizon stated, emphasizing the importance of proceeding with caution due to the unstable conditions at the site. The priority remains to extract those trapped.
Historical Context
Angeles City was notable for hosting one of the largest U.S. Air Force bases outside of the American mainland until its closure in the early 1990s. This transition contributed to the development of Angeles and neighboring areas into vibrant entertainment and commercial centers in the northern Philippines region of Luzon. The site of the former base, now known as the Clark Freeport Zone, is located approximately 80 kilometers (50 miles) north of Metro Manila.
Key Takeaways
- A nine-story building collapsed in Angeles City, Philippines, with at least 21 workers missing.
- Rescue teams are hearing voices from the rubble, indicating potential survivors.
- More than 100 personnel are involved in the ongoing search and rescue operations.
- Two individuals were injured by debris from the building collapse.
- Rescue efforts are complicated by the unstable structure of the site.
FAQ
What caused the building to collapse?
The collapse occurred after a severe thunderstorm in the area.
How many people were injured in the incident?
Two individuals sustained injuries from debris due to the collapse.
What is being done to rescue the missing individuals?
Over 100 rescue personnel, including firefighters and police, are working tirelessly to locate and extract those trapped in the rubble.
Is there any update on the search for survivors?
Rescuers have reported hearing voices, indicating that there may still be survivors within the wreckage.
In conclusion, this devastating incident highlights the importance of safety measures in construction and the urgency of search and rescue operations. Authorities continue to work diligently to ensure that those trapped are brought to safety.
