The death toll from the collapse of a nine-story building under construction in Angeles City, Philippines, has risen to 17.
According to the Operative Information Center-OMM, citing reports from the ABS-CBN News television channel, the tragedy has left at least three additional individuals missing.
Local authorities confirmed that search and rescue operations are ongoing, with emergency teams meticulously combing through the debris to locate those still trapped. The incident occurred overnight on May 24. City administration spokesperson Jay Pelayo stated that dozens of construction workers were buried under the rubble when the structure gave way.
In the immediate aftermath of the collapse, 26 people were successfully rescued. Among the casualties was a Malaysian tourist staying at a nearby hotel, who succumbed to injuries sustained during the incident. Authorities are currently conducting an investigation to determine the structural causes behind the collapse.
Building collapses in the Philippines are often subject to rigorous scrutiny by national engineering and safety boards, as the country frequently experiences seismic activity and severe weather conditions that necessitate strict adherence to building codes. This incident has prompted calls for a comprehensive review of construction safety protocols in the region to prevent future tragedies.
