Multi-storey building collapses in Nairobi during construction

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 23 Oct, 15:33 · Archive

A building under construction collapsed in Nairobi's Eastleigh district on Friday afternoon. The Kenya Red Cross said the structure came down at about 1:40 pm local time, and emergency response teams were dispatched to search-and-rescue efforts. Videos showed huge clouds of dust and vast piles of concrete rubble and twisted debris.

Several people are feared trapped beneath the rubble, though authorities had not yet confirmed casualties, injuries or the number missing. The Nairobi County governor's office confirmed the collapse and noted reports of trapped individuals. One local resident told AFP that some businesses occupied the basement and workers were present, though many were at mosque for Friday prayers.

Rescue operations proved complicated as police had to fire tear gas to disperse people who had begun looting neighbouring shops. An excavator was deployed among the wreckage as Red Cross personnel worked at the site. There were conflicting accounts over the building's height, with reports ranging from 10 to 18 storeys. No official cause of the collapse has been confirmed. The incident has raised questions about construction standards in Kenya, where similar disasters have repeatedly occurred.

How it is being reported

• Terrifying moment 18-storey Nairobi skyscraper collapses sparking frantic search for survivorsFootage shows a dramatic crash and huge clouds of dust as the building - thought to have been around 18 storeys high - comes down in Nairobi, Kenya.Daily Mail · 23 Oct, 15:33
• Kenya: huge piles of rubble after high-rise building collapsesA multi-storey building under construction has collapsed in Nairobi, leaving a vast pile of rubble. Red Cross workers have arrived at the scene, where excavators are being used among the debris.Euronews · 23 Oct, 15:15
• Many feared trapped under collapsed building in NairobiPeople are feared to be trapped after a large, unfinished building in Nairobi collapsed during construction. Rescue operations have proven complicated as police fired tear gas to disperse looters.DW News · 23 Oct, 15:09

In this story: Nairobi · Eastleigh · Kenya · Kenya Red Cross · Nairobi County

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