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Philippines Landfill Collapse Kills Two, Dozens Still Missing in Cebu City

Safety risks from methane and shifting waste are slowing the search, with authorities investigating what caused the sudden collapse.

Overview

  • Officials report two fatalities, including a 22-year-old worker and a 25-year-old engineer, with roughly the mid-30s still unaccounted for as tallies continue to change.
  • Hundreds of responders are on site and the mayor says 500 more will join, with search operations expected to continue at least through Sunday.
  • Rescuers are limiting heavy equipment because sparks could ignite methane gas and unstable debris threatens further slides.
  • The collapse struck the privately run Binaliw landfill, which handles about 1,000 tons of waste daily and employs roughly 110 people; crushed structures included offices and a sorting warehouse.
  • Authorities have not determined a cause; officials note clear weather at the time and say assessments are underway as survivors receive treatment in local hospitals.