Rescue teams in Argentina are urgently working to reach people trapped under rubble after the collapse of the 10-storey Dubrovnik hotel in Villa Gesell, a coastal city.
The incident, described by a local resident as something out of a “horror movie,” has resulted in at least one confirmed death.
The hotel collapsed early Tuesday morning, with up to 15 people thought to have been inside. A man in his 80s was found dead in the debris, while one woman has been rescued.
Authorities had previously halted construction at the hotel in August due to a lack of permits for ongoing renovations. However, locals reported that work had continued despite the municipal order.
Neighbor Monica Mino, who lives nearby, described the event as “like an earthquake,” saying, “The building transformed into a cloud of dust and we couldn’t see anything.”
She recounted the terrifying moment, adding, “It’s like a horror movie we’re living.”
Argentina’s National Security Minister, Patricia Bullrich, announced that two specialized rescue teams, including structural engineers, rescue specialists, and search dogs trained for collapsed buildings, had been dispatched to the site.
Provincial Security Minister Javier Alonso mentioned that four bricklayers working on the premises had escaped the collapse and were detained by police.
According to Alonso, it’s suspected that basement repairs could have contributed to the structural failure, causing the building to collapse inward.
Photos from the site show extensive damage to nearby structures from falling debris.
Villa Gesell, a well-known beach destination with hotels, resorts, and beaches, is home to the Dubrovnik, located along Avenue 1, about a five-minute walk from the seafront.
Source-BBC
