A nine-story under-construction building in Angeles City, north of Manila, collapsed early Sunday, resulting in the death of at least one Malaysian tourist and trapping at least 21 individuals, primarily construction workers, under debris. The collapse occurred around 2:30 a.m., during a storm, as many workers were sleeping on the ground floor. Some 24 others managed to escape or were rescued.
Fire Chief Maria Lea Sajiri reported that the debris from the collapse also affected a nearby hotel, resulting in an injury to another tourist. Relatives of those trapped anxiously awaited news as approximately 700 rescue workers searched through the rubble. Among the trapped were parents of Joamel Ancao, an 18-year-old student, who expressed deep anguish at their likely fate.
Local plumber Randy Arapido assisted rescuers by mapping the locations of those missing. Two trapped workers were located alive, but their rescue was complicated and time-consuming. The regional police chief stated that rescue efforts would continue overnight until all individuals were accounted for. Angeles City, which previously housed a major U.S. Air Force base, has since evolved into a vibrant commercial and tourist area.
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