Hotel collapse in Argentina kills one, reports say

It is reported that one person has died and several others are believed to be trapped in the rubble after the collapse of a hotel in Argentina.

The 10-story Dubrovnik hotel, in the coastal town of Villa Gesell, collapsed early Tuesday, Reuters reported, citing the local municipality.

About 15 people are believed to have been inside the hotel, which was recently renovated.

Rescue teams are working at the scene trying to free those believed to be trapped. Local media reported that an 80-year-old man died as a result of the incident.

The local authorities said that the construction work at the hotel was stopped in August by order of the municipality, because the renovation was carried out without the proper permits.

However, the neighbors told reporters that the construction work of the building continues in violation of the stop order.

Argentina’s Minister of National Security, Patricia Bullrich, posted on X that two special teams were sent to the scene, located in the province of Buenos Aires.

He said there were structural engineers, rescue experts and a dog team trained in collapsed buildings, as well as workers equipped with special equipment and rescue equipment.

The Minister of Security in the province, Javier Alonso, told the local radio that four builders who were working in the area escaped when the collapse occurred, and were arrested by the police.

Alonso added that neighbors told him that renovations were probably going on in the basement of the hotel and that the building collapsed on its own.

Photos from the scene show widespread damage to surrounding buildings from the fallen debris.

Villa Gesell is a popular seaside resort with several hotels, resorts and beaches.

Dubrovnik is located next to other hotels on Avenue 1 and is a five-minute walk from the beach.