Race Against Time After Pampanga Building Collapse Saves 26 Lives
PAMPANGA – A terrifying scene unfolded in Pampanga early Sunday morning after a towering structure crumbled to the ground, triggering a massive rescue operation.
A nine-story building under construction collapsed in Angeles City, Pampanga, causing fear and tension as emergency teams rushed to rescue trapped individuals early Sunday morning.
According to the Angeles City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (ACDRRMO), the incident happened around 3:00 a.m. on Sunday, May 24, along Teodoro Street in Balibago, Angeles City. Rescue teams immediately responded to the scene as reports emerged that workers and nearby residents may have been trapped following the collapse.
As of the latest update, authorities confirmed that 26 people had been rescued while search and rescue operations remained ongoing.
“24 na indibidwal na ang matagumpay na na-rescue mula sa gumuhong istruktura. Nasa dalawang (2) katao rin ang na-rescue sa isang apartelle na tinamaan sa pagguho ng itinatayong gusali,” according to a statement released by the Angeles City Information Office.
Authorities fear that approximately 30 to 40 more individuals may still be trapped inside the collapsed structure based on information provided by the construction site foreman.
Emergency personnel continue to carefully search through debris in hopes of locating additional survivors. Heavy equipment and rescue teams remain deployed in the area as operations continue under challenging conditions.
The collapse also affected a nearby building after it was struck by portions of the falling structure. Among those rescued was a 51-year-old Malaysian tourist who became trapped inside an apartment adjacent to the construction site.
Officials have not yet determined the exact cause of the collapse. However, authorities are investigating whether the strong rains and winds experienced in the area on Saturday evening, May 23, may have contributed to the incident.
Local authorities continue to urge the public to cooperate with responders and avoid entering the area while rescue efforts remain ongoing. Restricting access to the site is expected to help rescue teams work more efficiently while preventing additional risks to bystanders.
The incident has raised concerns about construction safety and weather-related structural risks as authorities continue their investigation and rescue efforts in Angeles City. Families of potentially trapped individuals continue to wait anxiously for updates as rescuers race against time.
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