A hotel collapse in Villa Gesell, Argentina has resulted in one confirmed fatality and numerous individuals believed to be trapped beneath the rubble.
The 10-storey Dubrovnik Hotel collapsed early on Tuesday, according to reports. The hotel, which was undergoing renovations, is thought to have had up to 15 occupants at the time of the incident.
Rescue teams are currently on-site, working to free those who may be trapped. Local reports indicate that an elderly man in his 80s has perished in the collapse.
Municipal authorities had ordered a halt to the construction work in August due to the renovations proceeding without the necessary permits. Despite this, neighbours reported that work continued in defiance of the suspension order.
Argentina’s National Security Minister, Patricia Bullrich, announced on X that two specialised rescue teams, including structural engineers, rescue specialists, and a dog unit trained for collapsed buildings, had been deployed to the site in Buenos Aires province. The teams have specialist machinery and resources to aid the rescue efforts.
Javier Alonso, the province’s Security Minister, informed local radio that four bricklayers working on the site had survived the collapse and were subsequently detained by police.
Frances Ibiefo
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