Argentina: Hotel Collapses, Leaving 1 Dead, 7 Trapped

Hotel Collapse in Argentina Claims 1 Life, 7 Trapped

“There's a risk that the nearby building could collapse...”

Argentina Hotel Disaster: Elderly Woman Rescued, 80-Year-Old Man Killed; Nearby Building at Risk

A devastating hotel collapse occurred at the Dubrovnik Hotel in Villa Gesell, Argentina, approximately 350 kilometers south of Buenos Aires, in the early hours of Tuesday, October 29.

Emergency responders swiftly arrived at the scene, rescuing an elderly woman and recovering the body of an 80-year-old man. Search and rescue operations continue for seven individuals still trapped in the rubble.

Preliminary reports indicate that some of those believed to be trapped are construction workers who were allegedly operating without necessary municipal permits at the hotel.

Javier Alonso, Security Minister for Buenos Aires Province, provided an update on the hotel collapse in Villa Gesell. “Firefighters managed to rescue an elderly woman from the rubble alive, while an 80-year-old man has been killed,” Alonso stated.

According to Alonso, the hotel had no guests at the time of the collapse, but workers were staying in another part of the building. Constructed in 1986, the hotel's structural integrity had been compromised.

The rescue operation, involving over 300 firefighters, police, and personnel, has been ongoing for more than eight hours. Emergency responders are working tirelessly to locate potential survivors.

Mayor Gustavo Barrera warned of an adjacent building at risk of collapse, heightening concerns. “There's a risk that the nearby building could collapse,” Barrera cautioned, emphasizing the need for caution.

This tragic incident highlights the importance of ensuring building safety and regular maintenance to prevent such disasters.

Sources:

• Security Minister Javier Alonso's statement
• Mayor Gustavo Barrera's warning
• Local news reports from Villa Gesell, Argentina.

Local officials in Villa Gesell, Argentina, revealed that unauthorized construction work was halted at the Dubrovnik Hotel in August, but apparently, the project continued without proper approval. This shocking revelation came after the hotel's collapse on October 29, which tragically claimed one life and left seven people trapped.

A prosecutor has launched an investigation to determine the cause of the collapse, which is welcome news for those seeking accountability. The Villa Gesell municipality emphasized in a press release that the hotel's renovation lacked necessary permits, raising serious concerns about safety protocols and regulatory oversight.

In a significant development, the Buenos Aires provincial security minister announced that the courts have ordered the arrest of four individuals connected to the hotel's collapse. This move suggests that authorities are taking the incident seriously and are committed to holding those responsible accountable for their actions.

Investigation and Arrests

Unauthorized Construction: Local officials stopped unauthorized construction work in August, but it appears the project continued without approval.

Lack of Permits: The hotel was renovated without necessary permits, according to the Villa Gesell municipality.

Arrest Warrants: Four individuals related to the hotel's collapse have been ordered to be arrested by the courts.