Seven Missing After Building Collapses in Kenya's Capital

A search and rescue operation is underway for seven individuals feared trapped after a multi-story building collapsed in Nairobi, Kenya, on Friday afternoon. The structure, estimated to be 16 or 18 stories tall, gave way, sending a large cloud of dust into the surrounding streets.

Dozens of construction workers were on the upper floors when the building collapsed but managed to escape largely unharmed. Officials stated that 66 of the 67 construction workers present were able to exit the building without serious injury, while one sustained non-life-threatening injuries. The seven missing individuals are believed to have been in shops that had already opened on the building's lower floors.

The building was still under construction at the time of the incident, with scaffolding visible on its exterior. Eleven shops had reportedly opened on the ground floors.

The collapse has reignited concerns regarding construction standards and regulations in Kenya. Images from the scene in Nairobi's Eastleigh area show the building's concrete floors piled atop one another. Rescue workers are seen attempting to cut through metal and debris to reach those potentially trapped underneath.