A nine-storey building under construction in the Philippines' Angeles City collapsed on Sunday morning following a severe thunderstorm, leaving at least 21 workers missing and prompting a desperate rescue effort. Rescuers have reported hearing voices from within the rubble, raising hopes that some survivors may still be trapped.
Rescue Operations Underway
More than 100 police officers and government personnel are scrambling to locate and rescue those believed to be trapped, according to Police Brigadier General Jess Mendez. While no deaths have been confirmed, some of the 24 workers who managed to escape or were rescued sustained injuries. Francis Pangilinan, head of Angeles City's disaster mitigation office, stated that most of the missing are believed to be construction workers.
Voices Heard in Rubble
Public Works Secretary Vinzon Dizon reported that rescuers have detected signs of life, including voices, but cautioned that the site remains highly unstable. "It's a very very unstable site and the priority is to get the people out," Dizon said. Rescue teams, including firefighters, police, and disaster-response units, are using their hands and sniffer dogs to carefully search the debris.
Injuries and Debris Damage
In addition to the missing workers, two people—including a Malaysian tourist—were injured when debris from the collapsed building struck their lodgings. Officials have not yet released details on the severity of these injuries.
Background on Angeles City
Angeles City, located in Pampanga province, once hosted one of the largest US Air Force bases outside the American mainland until its closure in the early 1990s. Since then, the city and surrounding areas have developed into entertainment and commercial hubs in the northern Philippine region of Luzon. The collapse has raised questions about construction safety and building regulations in the rapidly developing area.
