Death toll in Pampanga building collapse now at 27 - BFP Central Luzon

The death toll in the collapse of an under-construction building in Angeles City, Pampanga last May 24 has climbed to 27 after the recovery of two more bodies on Wednesday night, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Central Luzon said.

The 26th victim was extricated from the rubble at 6:40 p.m., while the 27th casualty was recovered nearby at 7:10 p.m.

Earlier in the afternoon, the body of the 25th victim was recovered from the collapsed building in Barangay Balibago, Angeles City at 3:45 p.m. despite heavy rains.

Authorities earlier rescued 27 individuals from the collapsed nine-story structure, which was supposed to be a hotel.

Most of the victims trapped under the collapsed steel and concrete were construction workers.

The Department of Labor and Employment said there were possible violations of occupational safety and health standards in the construction site.

The construction project had previously been subjected to a work stoppage order issued by DOLE Central Luzon because of safety deficiencies. — JMA, GMA News