Urgent Rescue Operations Underway After Hotel Collapse in Argentina

A tragic hotel collapse in Villa Gesell, Argentina has resulted in one confirmed death and efforts to rescue potential survivors from the rubble, as concerns grow over safety regulations and ongoing renovations despite a municipal ban.

Rescue efforts are underway in Villa Gesell, Argentina, where a tragic incident occurred early Tuesday morning when the 10-storey Dubrovnik hotel succumbed to structural failure. Rescue teams are working diligently to locate and free individuals trapped under the debris, with reports indicating that up to 15 people were in the hotel at the time of the collapse. As of now, one elderly man has been confirmed dead, and a woman has been rescued.

The building had recently been under renovation, although reports suggest that work continued even after local authorities ordered a halt in August due to the lack of proper permits. Monica Mino, a nearby resident, described the terrifying moment of the collapse, saying, "It’s like a horror movie we’re living." She added that the area was engulfed by dust, with sounds likened to an earthquake.

In response to the emergency, Patricia Bullrich, Argentina's national security minister, announced that specialized rescue teams, structural engineers, and trained canine units had been dispatched to the scene. The province's security minister, Javier Alonso, noted that four construction workers who were present escaped but were subsequently detained by police.

Witness accounts indicate that ongoing repairs might have been taking place in the basement of the hotel prior to the disaster, leading to its implosion. Images from the site show significant damage not only to the hotel but also to neighboring structures from falling debris. Villa Gesell, a well-liked coastal destination, is known for its hotels and scenic beaches, making this incident particularly horrifying for the community.