Nairobi Skyscraper Collapses, Prompting Rescue Efforts Amid Looting
An 18-storey building under construction crumbled in a densely populated area of Nairobi, Kenya, leading to a frantic search for survivors and reports of looting at the scene.
An 18-storey skyscraper under construction collapsed in Nairobi, Kenya, on Friday, creating massive dust clouds and sparking an immediate search for survivors. The building, located in the densely populated Eastleigh district, crumbled around lunchtime.
AFP journalists at the scene reported that the structure was reduced to a pile of rubble. Small search-and-rescue teams arrived shortly after the collapse. A thick cloud of dust and debris engulfed the surrounding streets, complicating initial rescue efforts, which were further hindered by adjacent high-rise buildings boxing in the site.
Local media reported that looting had broken out amidst the rubble, and there were concerns about casualties trapped beneath the debris. Images showed large crowds gathered at the site immediately following the incident. Police were observed using tear gas to disperse onlookers.
A resident, Abdi Aziz, 25, stated that there were businesses in the basement and workers present during construction. However, he noted that many people were likely at the mosque for Friday prayers, potentially limiting casualties. He also commented on the rapid pace of construction in the neighborhood, suggesting a lack of attention to structural integrity.
Nairobi is currently experiencing a significant construction boom, with numerous high-rise buildings being erected, particularly in Eastleigh, a hub for the Somali community and its bustling markets. This rapid development has raised ongoing safety concerns.
Between 2009 and 2019, Nairobi recorded 86 building collapses, resulting in an estimated 200 fatalities, according to a report by the Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis. A subsequent audit of nearly 15,000 buildings by the National Building Inspectorate classified 4.8 percent as critically dangerous and 72.3 percent as unsafe.
The number of buildings completed annually in Nairobi has increased, with 20,025 in 2022 rising to 25,090 the following year, according to the city's statistics bureau. This growth reflects Nairobi's status as a major business center attracting people from rural areas and neighboring countries.
