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.
As of 2 p.m., BFP Fire Superintendent Maria Leah Sajili said that they estimate 23 people are still trapped, while 10 were transported to San Lazatin Memorial Medical Center.
"Wala pa po tayong casualty," she said during a press briefing.
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.
He added that the proposal for the building stated that it was for a nine-storey commercial structure.
Sajili noted that the building is owned by a certain Ernest Jackson Lim and is proposed to be a condo hotel.
"As per the site engineer right now, for the structural po, almost tapos na sila at nagfi-finishing sila, but meron sila ngayon ika-10th floor na gagamitin nila for pool site. Definitely 'yung nine floors na pinropose nila, nagkaroon sila ng revision. Ngayon ang winowork out po ng responders is 10-storey building," she said.
She furthered that the cause of the collapse is still under investigation.
Pelayo earlier stated 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.
