A nine-story building under construction in a city north of the Philippine capital collapsed early Sunday, with 22 workers managing to escape while others remain missing, police reported.
Collapse During Thunderstorm
The building fell before dawn amid a thunderstorm in Angeles City, Pampanga province, located north of Manila. More than 100 police officers and government personnel are working to rescue those believed trapped in the debris, according to Police Brig. Gen. Jess Mendez.
Mendez, present at the scene, stated that there have been no immediate reports of fatalities, but noted that some of the 22 workers who managed to flee the structure sustained injuries.
Uncertain Number of Trapped Workers
Mendez could not immediately confirm how many workers remain trapped. However, Jay Pelayo, head of Angeles City’s information office, indicated that at least 30 workers may still be trapped, citing a construction foreman who escaped as the building came down.
Historical Context of Angeles City
Angeles City once hosted one of the largest U.S. Air Force bases outside the American mainland until its closure in the early 1990s. This base contributed to the development of Angeles and surrounding areas into entertainment and commercial centers in the northern Philippine region of Luzon. The former base, now known as the Clark Freeport Zone, lies approximately 80 kilometers (50 miles) north of Metro Manila.
