9-STOREY BUILDING IN ANGELES COLLAPSES; MALAYSIAN DEAD, 23 MISSING

BY KEVIN GALANG

A NINE-STOREY building being constructed at a subdivision in Bgy. Balibago. Angeles City early Sunday morning collapsed leaving a Malaysian tourist dead, with at least 23 people missing, authorities said.

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) said the Malaysian tourist was trapped inside the apartelle next to the collapsed building.

At least 26 people survived the collapse, the Angeles City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (ACDRRMO) said.

Police Regional Office 3 director Brig. Gen. Jess B. Mendez said search and rescue operations are ongoing as of press time.

Mendez said the building collapse blocked two major streets in the area.

He said the rescued individuals were rushed to the Ospital Ning Angeles (ONA) after the incident which occurred around 3:45 a.m. at the corner of Oak and Teodoro Streets in Bgy. Balibago. 

The building collapsed following heavy rains and strong winds that hit the city on Saturday night.

A vendor in front of the construction site told police she heard a loud rumbling sound moments before the structure gave way causing her to lose temporary consciousness.

She added that when she  regained awareness, she saw the building completely collapsed, with debris spreading across both streets.

Members of the local police station immediately responded to secure the area, while fire department units and emergency medical teams were deployed to assist in rescue and emergency operations. 

Investigators have yet to determine the cause of the structural failure. 

Officials also said the exact number of possible casualties and the extent of property damage remain undetermined pending further assessment.

Police cordoned off the area as engineers and responders work to clear debris and account for possible individuals trapped under the  rubble.