Over 20 feared trapped as 9‑storey building collapses in Angeles City

ANGELES CITY, PAMPANGA — A nine‑story building under construction collapsed here on Sunday morning, with authorities confirming that more than 20 individuals are believed to be still trapped beneath the rubble.

Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon confirmed the development and said that rescue operations are currently in full swing, with saving lives as the foremost priority of all responding teams.

“As of now, the priority is search and rescue first. There are more than 20 workers trapped due to the accident. As for the cause of the accident, let’s not focus on that yet; that will still be investigated later once the situation is under control,” Dizon told reporters at the scene. He assured the public that the DPWH is working closely with other government agencies to mobilize all necessary resources and personnel to ensure that every possible measure is taken to locate and retrieve those affected.

Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Regional Information Office chief Fire Superintendent Ma. Leah Sajili provided a clearer update on the numbers involved. According to her estimates, around 23 people remain unaccounted for and are presumed trapped. She noted, however, that 24 others managed to escape the structure before or during the collapse and are safe. Out of those who escaped, ten individuals sustained injuries and were immediately rushed to the San Rafael Lazatin Memorial Hospital for treatment; the identity of one of the injured remains unverified as of this report.

Coordination between agencies remains tight as teams from the DPWH, BFP, local government units, and other emergency services continue to work together amid the debris.

Heavy equipment has been deployed to assist in carefully removing structural materials, while rescue personnel are using specialized tools and listening devices to detect signs of life underneath. Officials have appealed to the public to stay away from the area to give rescue teams clear access and to avoid any danger from further structural instability. Investigations into the cause of the collapse are set to begin only after the search and rescue phase has been completed.