Four dead, 17 missing after under-construction building collapse in northern Philippines
Manila, May 25
Four people were confirmed dead after a building collapsed in Angeles City in northern Philippines' Pampanga province, as search and rescue operations continue for 17 missing people, authorities said on Monday.
According to the local bureau of fire protection, three victims were recovered from rubble and another Malaysian national who had been staying at a nearby apartelle was killed by falling debris.
Local media reported that authorities said as of Sunday afternoon, at least 26 individuals had been rescued -- 24 from the fallen building and two from the apartelle. Ten of the survivors sustained injuries and were taken to the hospital for treatment. The incident occurred after heavy rains and strong winds poured on Saturday night. Some 44 mm of rainfall fell on Angeles City from 7 to 8 p.m. Saturday, according to local atmospheric services.
Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon said rescue efforts remain underway despite hazardous conditions at the site, including unstable debris and live power lines that continue to endanger emergency personnel.
Nearby residents have been evacuated, Xinhua news agency reported.
Among those who died was a 65-year-old Malaysian national whose body was recovered on Sunday from a neighbouring hotel building that had also been affected by the collapse.
Sajili, the fire bureau spokeswoman, said that "rescue in (a) building collapse is very challenging since any sudden shift triggered by the movements of our rescuers can cause areas to move and people under can get crushed".
Planning records showed the building that collapsed was intended as a nine-storey condo-hotel under the approved permit, but that a swimming pool was being constructed on an additional 10th floor, authorities said.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Very sad to hear this. Kerala also saw a similar tragedy during the 2020 Kalamassery building collapse. Poor regulation and corner-cutting by builders—it's the same story everywhere in developing nations. My heart goes out to the families of the victims. Stay strong, Philippines!
The fact that a swimming pool was being added on an unauthorised 10th floor—that's just asking for disaster. Extra load on foundation, improper design modifications. Reminds me of the Bangalore building collapses we've seen. Our Namo government should also learn from this and tighten building inspection norms across India.
Heartbreaking to see 44mm rain in one hour cause such devastation. Climate change is real. But also, why wasn't the building designed to withstand heavy rains? Safety audits must be mandatory. RIP to those lost, and praying for the missing 17. 🙏
As an architect, this infuriates me. The building was approved for 9 floors, yet they built a 10th with a pool—that's massive extra dead load. The Philippine government should prosecute the developer criminally. India has similar issues with builders flouting norms. Time for both countries to enforce zero tolerance.
A 65-year-old Malaysian tourist killed by falling debris while staying in a nearby hotel—that's particularly tragic. Tourism and construction safety are interconnected. Hope ASEAN nations collaborate on building codes. Meanwhile, kudos to the Filipino rescue teams working amid unstable rubble and live wires.
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