At least two individuals are feared dead following the collapse of a multi-storey building under construction in Nairobi’s South C estate. The incident, which occurred in the shopping center area, led to panic among residents and passersby. The National Disaster Management Unit (NDMU) received information about the collapse at around 8 am local time and promptly deployed a search and rescue team comprising police and other emergency responders.
A multi-agency response team, including the Kenya Red Cross, was dispatched to manage the crisis, conduct search and rescue operations, and secure the site. The Red Cross mentioned that the area has been cordoned off as various agencies continue their efforts. Rescue operations are ongoing to locate two individuals believed to be trapped in the debris. Authorities are proceeding with caution, and the structural integrity of nearby buildings will be assessed by the National Construction Authority (NCA) once the initial and ground floors are reached.
Less than a month ago, the NCA had cautioned residents in Nairobi’s Westlands area about a 13-storey building facing collapse risks due to visible cracks. Similarly, in a previous incident last year, workers were injured when a wall collapsed at a construction site on Rhapta Road. Reports suggested safety violations at the site, allegedly managed by a Chinese company, including the absence of proper safety measures and signage.
