Manila. Four people were killed when a building collapsed in Angeles City in the northern Pampanga province of the Philippines. On Monday, officials said that 17 people were still missing. The rescue operation is going on. According to the local fire bureau, three bodies were pulled from the debris and a Malaysian citizen, who was staying in a nearby hotel, was killed by falling debris. Officials said at least 26 people had been rescued by Sunday afternoon, according to local media. Of these, 24 people were rescued from the collapsed building and two from a nearby hotel. Of these, ten people have been injured and have been admitted to the hospital.
The accident occurred after heavy rain and strong winds on Saturday night. According to the weather department, Angeles City received about 44 mm of rain between 7 pm and 8 pm.
Public Works Department Secretary Vince Dizon said that the rescue operation is going on in difficult conditions. The debris at the site is very unstable and there are exposed electrical wires, posing a threat to rescue workers.
News agency Xinhua said that people from nearby areas have been sent to safe places.
Those killed included a 65-year-old Malaysian, whose body was recovered on Sunday from a nearby hotel building that was hit by the accident.
Fire Bureau spokesperson Sajili said that rescue work after a building collapse is very challenging, because even the movement of rescue workers can move the debris and cause further harm to the people trapped below.
According to records, the building that collapsed was originally permitted to be built as a 9-storey condo-hotel. But later a swimming pool was being constructed on the 10th floor, officials said.
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