A devastating building collapse in Angeles City, Pampanga has left at least four people dead, 17 missing, and 26 others rescued, according to authorities as search and rescue operations continue.

The nine-storey structure, which was still under construction, gave way in the early hours of Sunday, May 24, causing widespread destruction and panic among nearby residents and establishments.

Grace Lego, 33, who was staying in a hotel adjacent to the construction site, recounted being awakened around 2:30 am by a loud rumbling sound and shaking ground.She initially believed an earthquake had struck.She immediately woke her partner and carried her five-year-old child as they evacuated their room.Once outside, they discovered that their car had been buried under debris from the collapsed building next door.The collapse also affected guests staying in Lego’s hotel.

They managed to evacuate most occupants from five rooms, but a Malaysian guest staying in Room 101 was later confirmed as the first reported fatality inside the hotel premises.Rescue attempts to reach the room were unsuccessful due to heavy debris blocking hallways and access points.

Lego also shared that authorities and rescue personnel warned that their hotel may no longer be structurally stable and could be subject to demolition.

The hotel, which only opened on April 22, is now awaiting assessment from city engineers while its owners prepare to recover belongings in case of demolition.

In the surrounding area, several businesses such as cafés, salons, and spa establishments have temporarily closed due to safety concerns, while rescue teams have set up tents along the street.Despite the devastation, some nearby establishments continue to operate.

As search and recovery efforts continue inside the collapsed structure, local business owners and residents are also trying to salvage what they can from affected properties while awaiting official clearance and structural assessments.