3 families trapped as firewall collapses

MANILA, Philippines - Three families were trapped in their homes in Quezon City after a firewall caved in on them, believed to be because of excavations at an adjacent lot.

The occupants of the three-door apartment complex emerged unscathed from their damaged houses in Kamuning after being trapped for about 10 minutes, said city fire marshal Superintendent Jesus Fernandez.

He said among those rescued from one of the units was a 74-year-old bedridden man.

According to Fernandez, the firewall, about 10 meters long, caved in on the apartment units at around 11 a.m.

Fernandez said there were excavations at a nearby lot where a five-story building is being constructed.

The collapsed wall damaged the three apartments as well as motorcycles parked there.