The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
Rescue operations at the site of a collapsed multi-storey building in Eastleigh, Nairobi, entered their second day on Saturday as emergency teams continued clearing debris in search of people feared trapped beneath the rubble.
The Kenya Red Cross reported on Friday night that two injured people had been taken to Kenyatta National Hospital for treatment.
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Government officials had earlier reported that at least seven people were missing following the collapse along 9th Street on Friday afternoon.
However, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said all 67 construction workers who were at the site when the building came down had been accounted for.
According to Murkomen, 66 workers escaped without injuries, while one sustained injuries and was admitted to hospital in stable condition.
The CS visited the scene on Friday evening alongside Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku, where he confirmed that rescue teams were still working to locate anyone who might have been trapped under the debris.
“Seven people have been reported missing. The rescue team has made contact with some of them, and efforts are underway to rescue those trapped in the rubble,” Murkomen said.
He further revealed that 11 shops located on the ground floor and basement of the building were occupied when the incident occurred, raising fears that traders, customers or other occupants may have been caught in the collapse.
Nairobi Regional Police Commander Issa Mohamud said on Saturday that rescue personnel remained at the scene, focusing on removing debris and accessing the building’s lower floors.
“We hope they reach the ground floors soon,” he said.
The search operation involves a multi-agency team comprising the Kenya Defence Forces, National Police Service, Nairobi City County Government, National Youth Service, Kenya Red Cross and other government agencies.
The government has urged families with missing relatives to contact the Kenya Red Cross through its emergency hotline, 1199, to provide information that could help establish their whereabouts and support rescue coordination.
Murkomen said the government was providing the necessary resources to support emergency teams and speed up the operation. Authorities were also making arrangements to assist those affected and their families, including through psychosocial support services.
Meanwhile, the circumstances surrounding the collapse are expected to undergo a thorough investigation involving relevant national and county government agencies, working alongside professional bodies.
Murkomen warned that individuals found responsible for the incident would be held accountable.
