A collapsed building in Mathare North constituency, Nairobi, on May 14, 2024. (Photo: Teja Travis)
In Summary:
- A four-storey building collapsed in Mathare North, Nairobi, with five people feared trapped under the rubble.
- Two individuals have been rescued and taken to the hospital, with ongoing efforts to find others.
On Wednesday, a four-storey building in the Gateway area of Mathare North, Nairobi County, collapsed, with five people feared trapped under the debris.
Initial reports suggest the building was partially demolished when it gave way with people still inside.
The Kenya Red Cross Society reported that two casualties had been rescued during the search operations.
The victims were given first aid at the scene before being transported to the hospital for specialized treatment.
A multi-agency team, including officers from the Kenya Red Cross, the National Police Service, and the Nairobi Disaster Management, is conducting the rescue operation.
“Five people are suspected to be trapped beneath the rubble. Our team is on the scene,” stated the Kenya Red Cross.
They also noted that the search and rescue operations are still ongoing for additional individuals who might be trapped.
This is not the first such incident in the area. On May 14, a similar collapse of a partially demolished building led to several fatalities as people were trapped under the rubble.
Witnesses from the current collapse reported that more than ten individuals, mostly residents, had entered the building to collect scrap metal when it fell.
Videos circulating widely show residents standing at a distance while responders carry out rescue efforts.
After about an hour of searching, four people were successfully pulled from the debris and swiftly taken to a nearby hospital.
“Efforts to reach others suspected to be trapped continue,” confirmed the Kenya Red Cross in a statement.