Mabini St. in Malate temporarily closed for search, rescue ops following collapse of portion of building

Authorities had to use a crane to penetrate the Sogo hotel in Malate, Manila, a portion of which collapsed on Monday, Sept. 23. /Moira Encina/Eagle News/

(Eagle News)–Authorities have temporarily closed Mabini Street in Malate, Manila to give way to  search and rescue operations following the collapse of a portion of a budget hotel there.

Manila Mayor Isko Moreno, who rushed to the site after the collapse of the posts and concrete in the middle of the Sogo building, and of the side of the second floor around 9:30 a.m., also ordered the temporary closure of the other side of the hotel on Mother Ignacia St.

Members of the Bureau of Fire Protection used a crane to penetrate the building that was being demolished for around a month already based on a demolition permit posted by the building entrance.

Moreno said some employees were still inside the building, with an initial report by the Manila Police District saying at least two workers were unaccounted for.

One person has been confirmed hurt in the incident, and has been rushed to the hospital.

No debris fell from building. Moira Encina