At least 20 people are feared trapped after an under-construction nine-story building collapsed in Angeles City, near Manila, officials said. The structure gave way at about 3:00 a.m. local time (1900 GMT Saturday) following a severe thunderstorm.
There were no immediate reports of deaths. Rescue teams have pulled 26 people from the rubble, including two guests from a nearby hotel that was also damaged. City information officer Jay Pelayo said those rescued are in stable condition.
Many of the missing are believed to be construction workers who were at the site when the collapse occurred. Teams on the scene say they can hear voices under the debris, but heavy slabs of concrete are blocking access to survivors.
“There are big chunks of concrete, and we need equipment to lift them up. That is what’s challenging for the rescue right now,” Pelayo said, describing the difficulties faced by search crews.
Authorities have not yet determined what caused the collapse. Emergency services continue to work at the site, and officials say additional machinery will be required to safely recover anyone still trapped.