Apartment building collapses in Quezon City

MANILA, Philippines - Thirty-six families occupying a poorly built apartment building in a slum area in Barangay Pinyahan, Quezon City were left homeless when the building collapsed yesterday afternoon.

City fire marshal Superintendent Jesus Fernandez said the four-story structure collapsed because it was unstable, made of light materials and had a poor foundation.

No one was reported hurt or killed when the building collapsed at around 1 p.m., he added.

Barangay councilman Jonathan Burse told the families renting units in the building to evacuate since cracks were seen on the structure since Thursday night.

Government personnel started demolishing what remained of the building at around 4 p.m. to clear the area.

Barangay officials put up tents along NIA Road for the families who had been staying in the building.

Fernandez said city officials are investigating the collapse.