Rescue Efforts Underway After Hotel Collapse in Villa Gesell, Argentina

Rescue teams are engaged in a frantic search for survivors after the ten-story Dubrovnik hotel in Villa Gesell collapsed, killing one and leaving others trapped, amid allegations of improper renovation practices.

Rescue workers in Argentina are racing against time to locate individuals trapped under the debris of the Dubrovnik hotel, which collapsed early Tuesday morning in the coastal city of Villa Gesell. One fatality has been confirmed, and search efforts are complicated by reports that up to 15 people may have been inside the hotel during the incident. The distressed local populace has likened the scene to a "horror movie," as rescue teams work to uncover those believed to be trapped under the wreckage.

The ten-story hotel was in the midst of renovations, which had been suspended by local authorities back in August due to the absence of necessary permits. Despite this order, neighbors reported that construction continued, raising serious concerns about compliance with safety regulations. Monica Mino, a local resident, described the moment of the collapse, stating that the building produced a "cloud of dust" and the impact felt like an earthquake.

National security minister, Patricia Bullrich, informed the public via social media that specialized rescue teams had been dispatched to assist in the effort, which involves structural engineers, rescue specialists, and trained dogs to locate survivors. Additionally, the local security minister, Javier Alonso, has mentioned that four construction workers managed to escape the collapse and have since been taken into police custody.

Alonso further stated that witnesses believed renovations might have been happening in the basement area, which may have contributed to the hotel's structural failure. Photos of the scene depict significant damage to nearby buildings as debris scattered across the area. Villa Gesell, a well-known coastal getaway frequented by tourists, is home to numerous hotels and resorts, with the Dubrovnik situated a mere five-minute walk from the beach.