Nine-Storey Building Collapse in Philippines: Four Dead, 16 Missing
A nine-storey building under construction collapsed in Angeles City, Pampanga province, Philippines, on Sunday, resulting in four confirmed deaths and 16 people listed as missing. Rescue operations concluded on Monday evening after life locator equipment detected no further signs of life, and efforts shifted to recovery.
Incident Details
The building, located in Angeles City, collapsed in the early hours of Sunday. According to authorities, the structure had a permit for a nine-storey condo-hotel, but a 10th floor for a pool was being constructed at the time of the collapse. The collapse occurred after a thunderstorm, though the exact cause remains under investigation.
Fatalities and Injuries
- At least four people have been confirmed dead: a 65-year-old Malaysian national and two construction workers. The identity of the fourth victim has not been specified by authorities.
- Among the injured is a 51-year-old Malaysian national who was in a nearby budget hotel.
- A Malaysian tourist and one other person were reported injured by debris from the collapse.
Missing Persons
- Sixteen people remain missing. One person initially listed as missing later contacted officials to confirm they were not present at the site.
- Reports from a site foreman who escaped stated that 30 to 40 people were feared trapped, but authorities have not confirmed this number.
"The assessment is not yet finished and it is too early to determine the cause of the collapse." — Mr. Pelayo, official
Rescue and Recovery Operations
Rescue efforts began immediately after the collapse, involving over 100 police and government personnel. Rescue teams used trained dogs, heartbeat detection devices, and heavy equipment to search through the rubble.
- On Sunday, rescuers detected signs of life from two people. One was found dead, and the other died after being freed.
- On Monday afternoon, thermal sensors detected signs of life, but officials stated that the heartbeats may have come from animals. By Monday evening, life locator equipment showed no signs of life.
- Operations were transitioned from search and rescue to recovery late Monday.
Maria Leah Sajili, information officer at the regional Bureau of Fire Protection, stated that rescue operations were ongoing and that efforts were made to save lives.
Statements from Affected Individuals
"I lost hope of finding him alive." — Lea Casilao, 47, whose husband is missing
- Alfredo Albis, 55, reported that two of his cousins are missing. He stated he was asleep in a nearby barracks when the collapse occurred.
- Lea Casilao, 47, whose husband is missing, stated she lost hope of finding him alive. She went to the site after being unable to reach him and saw the debris.
Investigation
The cause of the collapse is under investigation. Powerlines were hit during the collapse and are being secured. Authorities have not released any preliminary findings regarding the structural cause.