Post by : Shakul

A massive rescue operation is underway in Angeles City after a nine-story building under construction suddenly collapsed before dawn, leaving at least 21 people missing beneath the rubble. Authorities said the incident occurred following a powerful thunderstorm that hit the area overnight.

Emergency officials reported that rescue workers were still hearing voices coming from underneath the collapsed structure, giving hope that survivors may still be trapped alive. At least 24 construction workers either escaped on their own or were pulled out safely during the early rescue efforts. Several injured workers were immediately taken for medical treatment.

Police, firefighters and disaster-response teams rushed to the site within minutes of the collapse. More than 100 emergency personnel joined the dangerous operation, using their bare hands, heavy equipment and sniffer dogs to search through massive piles of concrete, steel bars and debris.

Officials said the rescue mission remained extremely risky because the site was highly unstable and parts of the structure could collapse further at any moment. Public Works Secretary Vinzon Dizon stated that teams were moving carefully while trying to reach trapped victims as quickly as possible.

Authorities confirmed that most of the missing people are believed to be construction workers who were inside the building during the collapse. Two additional civilians, including a Malaysian tourist staying nearby, were injured after debris from the building struck nearby accommodations.

Local disaster officials have not yet confirmed the exact cause of the collapse, but investigations are expected to examine whether severe weather conditions, construction quality or possible structural weaknesses played a role in the tragedy. Engineers and safety inspectors have been sent to the scene to conduct a detailed assessment.

The collapse has shocked residents across Pampanga province and renewed concerns about building safety standards in rapidly developing urban areas of the Philippines. Angeles City, located north of Manila, has experienced major commercial and infrastructure growth in recent years due to its proximity to the Clark Freeport Zone.

Authorities said rescue operations would continue throughout the night until every missing worker is accounted for. Families of the trapped workers gathered near the disaster site anxiously waiting for updates as emergency crews continue searching for survivors.

#Philippines #World News