Building Collapses in Nairobi, Many Feared Trapped

A tall building collapsed on Friday in a busy commercial area of Kenya’s capital, Nairobi, and many people are feared trapped beneath the rubble.

The building, which was under construction, collapsed along a busy street in the city's Eastleigh area. This district is frequently crowded with thousands of traders and residents.

Nairobi police chief Issa Mohamud stated that the building had more than 10 floors under construction. Rescue operations have been complicated by incidents of looting at neighboring shops, prompting police to fire tear gas to clear the area and facilitate access for emergency response teams.

The Kenya Red Cross confirmed its teams were en route and appealed to bystanders at the site to give responders adequate space to work safely.

Building collapses are a recurring issue in Nairobi. County officials responsible for issuing building permits have faced accusations of neglecting adequate inspections to ensure developers adhere to safety guidelines and construction standards.