A building under construction in a city north of Manila, Philippines, collapsed early Sunday morning, leading to the death of one Malaysian tourist and trapping at least 21 individuals, mostly workers, in the debris. The incident occurred at around 2:30 a.m. in a busy neighborhood that houses budget hotels, cafes, spas, and rural homes outside a former U.S. air force base.
Rescue efforts saw 24 workers either escaping the building or being saved after the collapse. A Malaysian tourist lost their life, and another guest sustained injuries in a nearby lodging house hit by debris from the falling structure. Family members of those trapped anxiously awaited news as rescue teams worked tirelessly to clear the rubble.
Witnesses described the scene as devastating, with one young student expressing the anguish of awaiting information on their trapped parents. Another witness, a plumber, recounted narrowly avoiding the collapse and attempting to aid in rescue efforts despite the dangers present.
Rescue operations involved approximately 700 personnel, including police officers, firefighters, and medical teams. The ongoing search and recovery mission aimed to ensure the safety of all those affected by the tragedy. The city of Angeles, previously home to a prominent U.S. air force base, evolved into a thriving commercial and entertainment hub following the base’s closure in the early 1990s.