9-storey building in Pampanga collapses, at least 30 trapped
A nine-storey building being constructed in Angeles City, Pampanga collapsed on the morning of May 24, leaving an estimated 30 to 40 people trapped, according to the city's information office.
The building along Teodoro street in Barangay Balibago collapsed around 3 a.m. during a thunderstorm.
Twenty-four individuals have been rescued, as per initial reports from the Angeles City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office. Two others were rescued from an apartelle affected by the collapse.
Search and rescue operations continue, Angeles City Information Office head Jay Pelayo told Super Radyo dzBB.
The individuals still trapped are construction workers, according to the foreman, who escaped the rubble with 10 others.
"Lahat sila is in stable condition," Pelayo said.
"Ang pinangambahan lang natin ngayon, etong report ng foreman, eh meron pa hong nasa 30 to 40 na na-trap sa ginagawang gusali."
According to an ABS-CBN News report, the local government has launched an inquiry into the building's permits. "'Yan po ang inaalam natin ngayon sa kasalukuyan kung anong history nitong construction site na 'to," Pelayo said.
The Information Office head added that they have yet to determine whether the thunderstorm factored into the building's collapse.
Residents are also advised to avoid the area as search and rescue operations continue.