Rescuers have pulled two people from the rubble of a collapsed building under construction in the Philippines, bringing the death toll to three, officials said. One of the victims had a pulse when retrieved but later died, while another suffered cardiac arrest while still trapped, Maria Leah Sajili, information officer at the regional Bureau of Fire Protection, told Reuters on Monday.

Officials said an investigation is underway into the cause of the collapse of the multi-storey building in Angeles City, north of Manila. Rescuers were also working to retrieve another body, Sajili said, but it would only be added to the official toll once recovered. The number of missing stood at 17, most of them construction workers on duty at the site.

Up to 70 people were employed at the construction site, though most had gone home for the weekend. Alfredo Albis, 55, told AFP he was asleep at a barracks for workers about 5 meters from the structure when it gave way. “I have two cousins who are still trapped there… there’s a possibility that my relatives are dead,” he said.

Sajili noted that rescue in a building collapse is very challenging, as any sudden shift can cause further collapse and endanger responders. Rescuers are using thermal scanners to check for signs of life. If no more survivors are found, heavy equipment will be brought in to clear debris and recover bodies, though no timeline was given.

The cause of the collapse remains unknown. Angeles City Mayor Carmelo Lazatin said authorities are trying to locate the building owner for answers. Families have grown increasingly impatient with the pace of rescue operations. Lea Casilao, who traveled from Manila, said her husband is believed trapped and she wants regular updates. “My youngest child keeps asking, but I do not have answers,” the 47-year-old said.

Source: www.aljazeera.com