Multi-story Building Collapses in Kenya, Trapping Unknown Number
Dozens are feared trapped beneath the rubble of a building under construction that collapsed in Nairobi's Eastleigh area.
A multi-story building under construction collapsed Friday in Nairobi, Kenya, trapping an unknown number of people beneath tons of concrete and debris. The incident occurred around 1 p.m. local time in the bustling Eastleigh area, a densely populated commercial district.
The structure, which had more than 10 upper floors in progress, pancaked into a mound of rubble, with little space between its collapsed levels. A plasterer working on the fifth floor recounted hearing screams and rushing out just before the collapse, narrowly escaping the disaster. He suspects some colleagues may have been trapped in the basement.
Rescue operations were immediately hampered by crowds and looters. Nairobi police chief Issa Mohamud stated that officers had to fire tear gas to disperse individuals attempting to loot adjacent shops, clearing the area to allow emergency services access.
Initial rescue efforts involved construction workers and first responders using makeshift tools, such as poles, to probe the rubble. Heavy machinery, including excavators and backhoes, arrived later in the day to assist in clearing the debris. Rescuers focused on potential voids in the basement and ground floors, which housed an electronics shop, a butchery, and a grocery store before the construction progressed upwards.
Residents reported receiving calls for help from loved ones trapped in the debris immediately after the collapse, but communication was later lost. A tent was set up nearby for people to report missing individuals.
Mohamud also warned of the risk of a secondary collapse, as the damaged structure was leaning against a neighboring building. One woman was rescued and hospitalized, and another person calling for help reportedly went silent.
Building collapses are a recurring issue in Nairobi, often attributed to developers bypassing safety regulations and inadequate inspections by county officials. Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja acknowledged that while the building had been approved for construction, it lacked a certificate of occupation, making the operation of ground-floor businesses illegal. Sakaja emphasized the need for stronger enforcement powers and stricter penalties for developers who violate construction standards.