Hotel collapse in Argentina leaving one dead and others trapped in rubble

A tragic hotel collapse early Tuesday in the coastal city of Villa Gesell has left one person dead and several feared trapped under debris. The Dubrovnik hotel, a 10-story structure located in the popular resort area, came crashing down around 3 a.m., sending rescue teams scrambling to reach those believed to be caught in the rubble.

Local authorities report that up to 15 people were inside the hotel when it collapsed. At least one fatality has been confirmed, a man in his 80s and another individual, a woman, was successfully rescued from the wreckage. Rescue teams continue their efforts, facing significant structural challenges as they search for others who may be trapped beneath the ruins.

The Dubrovnik hotel had recently undergone renovations, and according to the Villa Gesell municipality, these were being conducted without proper permits. The municipality had issued an order in August to halt all construction work; however, residents have claimed that renovations continued despite the suspension. Argentina’s national security minister, Patricia Bullrich, confirmed that two specialized rescue teams have been deployed to the site in Buenos Aires province to assist with the emergency response.

Bullrich shared on social media that the teams deployed consist of structural engineers, rescue specialists, and dog units trained to locate people trapped in collapsed structures. She noted that personnel are equipped with specialized machinery to support the search-and-rescue efforts.

It was confirmed on local radio by Javier Alonso, the minister of regional security, that four bricklayers who were working at the site were able to flee without becoming injured. It was later determined that these workers were held by the police for the purpose of being questioned about the ongoing construction activity in the building. Witnesses may have indicated that work was being done in the basement at the time of the collapse, according to Alonso, which suggests that the structure may have collapsed in on itself owing to structural instability.

The photographs taken at the scene expose a significant amount of damage, including debris that is dispersed across neighbouring houses and automobiles that have been crushed by falling bricks and concrete. During the time that workers are working to secure the unstable structure and prevent more casualties, the authorities have cordoned off the area, and local residents have been asked to stay away from the location.

Villa Gesell, a coastal city known for its sandy beaches and popular resorts, attracts thousands of tourists each season. The Dubrovnik hotel, located on Avenue 1, is one of several hotels within walking distance of the seafront, and its collapse has raised concerns about building safety protocols in the region. Local media have reported that some neighboring hotels have also been impacted by debris from the collapse.

As rescue teams continue their search, an investigation has been launched to determine the exact cause of the collapse and assess the safety standards of similar establishments. Authorities are scrutinizing the circumstances around the Dubrovnik hotel’s unauthorized renovations, with questions mounting about potential regulatory failures and oversight lapses.

The tragic incident has cast a somber mood over Villa Gesell, where officials, residents, and visitors alike wait anxiously for news on those still missing.