A nine-storey building under construction collapsed in Angeles City, Philippines, on Sunday morning following a fierce thunderstorm, leaving at least 21 people missing. Rescuers have reported hearing voices from the rubble, raising hopes that survivors may still be trapped.
Police Brigadier General Jess Mendez confirmed that more than 100 police and government personnel are working to rescue those believed to be trapped. Twenty-four workers managed to escape or were rescued, some sustaining injuries. There have been no immediate reports of deaths.
Francis Pangilinan, head of Angeles City's disaster mitigation office, stated that most of the missing are believed to be workers at the site. Additionally, two people, including a Malaysian tourist, were injured when debris struck their lodgings.
Rescuers, including firefighters, police, and disaster-response teams, are using their hands and sniffer dogs in a dangerous search operation. Public Works Secretary Vinzon Dizon noted signs of life, saying, 'There are voices that are being heard.' He emphasised the instability of the site, urging extreme caution.
Angeles City, once home to a major US Air Force base, has developed into a commercial hub in the northern Philippines. The collapse has prompted a large-scale emergency response as authorities race against time to locate the missing.
