A nine-story building under construction in Angeles City, located north of the Philippine capital Manila, collapsed early Sunday morning during a thunderstorm, according to police officials. While 22 workers managed to escape the structure, several others remain missing, and rescue operations are underway.
Collapse During Thunderstorm
The building succumbed before dawn in Angeles City, which is situated in Pampanga province, north of Manila. Police Brigadier General Jess Mendez, who is at the scene, reported that more than 100 police officers and government personnel are working tirelessly to locate and rescue individuals believed to be trapped in the rubble.
Injuries and Missing Workers
Mendez stated that there have been no immediate reports of fatalities, but some of the 22 workers who escaped sustained injuries. The exact number of workers trapped remains uncertain. However, Jay Pelayo, head of Angeles City's information office, cited a construction foreman who fled the building as it collapsed, indicating that at least 30 workers may still be trapped under the debris.
Background of Angeles City
Angeles City previously hosted one of the largest U.S. Air Force bases outside the American mainland, which operated until its closure in the early 1990s. This base contributed significantly to the development of Angeles and surrounding areas, transforming them into entertainment and commercial hubs in the northern Philippines region of Luzon.
The former U.S. Air Force base, now known as the Clark Freeport Zone, is located in Angeles City, approximately 80 kilometers (50 miles) north of Metro Manila. The collapse has prompted a large-scale emergency response as authorities work to account for all workers and provide medical assistance to the injured.
