Dozens feared trapped in Philippines building collapse

It is feared that approximately 30 to 40 people will be trapped as a result of the collapse of a nine-storey building under construction in Angeles City, north of Manila, the capital of the Philippines.

The building collapsed before dawn during a storm in Angeles City, Pampanga province, on Sunday.

Police Brigadier General Jess Mendez said more than 100 police and other government personnel scrambled to rescue people believed to be trapped in the rubble.

Jay Pelayo, head of Angeles City’s information bureau, said about 30 to 40 people may still be trapped under the rubble, citing a construction foreman who managed to jump out as the building collapsed.

In his statement to DZBB radio on Sunday, Pelayo said that eight people in the vicinity were rescued and 11 people, including the construction site manager, managed to escape.

It is not yet clear what caused the collapse, but the city engineer said he is reviewing the construction history.

Pelayo also said rescue efforts could be challenging because the structure is made of concrete and the debris is difficult to move.

In the images shared by DZBB, it can be seen that the building has turned into a pile of concrete and twisted metal and is covered with green nets.

“The evaluation has not yet been completed. The unified command system is still being worked on and it is too early to determine the cause of the collapse, which is still being evaluated,” Pelayo said. he said.

“Power lines were hit and were currently being secured. We call on residents to cooperate with the authorities so that rescue operations for those trapped are not delayed and no one is put at risk,” he said.

with AP