Rescue efforts are continuing in the Philippines after a building under construction collapsed in Angeles, north of Manila. More than 20 people are believed to still be trapped under the rubble, according to local authorities.
The nine-story building collapsed on Sunday while construction workers were on site. Rescue officials indicated that five people were officially confirmed trapped, two of whom were still in contact with rescuers.
Authorities also fear that 18 other workers, listed as on duty that day, are still trapped under the rubble. "This brings the estimated number of victims trapped at this stage to 23," said Maria Leah Sajili, regional spokeswoman for the Bureau of Fire Protection.
On site, rescue teams are trying to reach survivors amidst a massive pile of concrete, twisted metal beams, and rubble. The operations are made particularly difficult by the instability of the collapsed structure and the sheer volume of debris.
A total of 24 people have already been rescued, authorities said, adding that no deaths had been officially reported so far. Among the survivors is a 51-year-old Malaysian national who was staying in a nearby hotel damaged by the collapse.
The causes of the disaster remain unknown at this time. An investigation is expected to be opened to determine whether structural failures or breaches of safety standards were responsible for the accident.
Images broadcast from the site show rescuers climbing the rubble covered in green netting, while families wait for news of missing workers in an atmosphere of high tension and concern.
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