Building Collapse Traps Dozens in Philippine City

Around 30 to 40 people were trapped under rubble after a nine-story building under construction collapsed in Angeles City, north of the Philippine capital Manila, on Sunday, a city official said.

Eight people in the vicinity were rescued, while 11 others, including the construction manager, managed to escape, Angeles City information officer Jay Pelayo told radio station DZBB. Based on information from the construction manager, Pelayo said around 30 to 40 people remain missing.

Search and rescue operations are continuing. The cause of the collapse has not been established, but the city engineer is reviewing the construction history. Pelayo warned that rescue work could prove difficult as the structure is made of concrete, complicating the removal of debris.

"Power lines were hit and were now being secured. We are calling on residents in the area to cooperate with authorities so rescue operations for those trapped are not delayed, and no one else is put at risk", he added.

(reuters, luc)