A catastrophic landfill collapse in the Philippines has resulted in one confirmed death and 27 people reported missing, after a massive wall of garbage and debris engulfed part of a village. The incident occurred on Friday, 9 January 2026, in the village of Binaliw, sending an avalanche of waste into the community.
Chaos and Rescue in Binaliw Village
Emergency services, including police and firefighters, managed to rescue eight individuals from the scene. Tragically, one woman died while being transported to hospital. The search continues for the 27 people who remain unaccounted for, with reports indicating they are trapped beneath the collapsed waste.
An employee at the site, Joey Boy Gealon, described the terrifying moment the collapse happened. He told the Cebu Daily News he heard screams and loud crashing sounds, stating the event occurred without any prior warning. Gealon also alleged that staff had expressed concerns about the excessive height of the garbage piles for several years prior to the disaster.
Hazardous Conditions Hamper Search Efforts
Rescue operations are facing severe challenges due to the dangerous environment at the collapse site. Councillor Joel Garganera highlighted the extreme risks, noting the presence of massive steel trusses and soft, shifting garbage that creates a constant threat of further movement.
A major concern for rescuers and potential survivors is the serious risk of toxic air within the debris, which could endanger anyone trapped for an extended period. Local media reports confirm that these hazardous conditions are significantly impeding the progress of search and rescue teams.
Operator's Response and Ongoing Updates
The facility is operated by Prime Waste Solutions Cebu. In an official statement, the company said: "The safety and wellbeing of our employees, contractors, and neighbouring communities remain our top priority."
This remains a developing news story. Further details are expected as the rescue mission continues and investigations into the cause of the collapse begin.
