A multi-storey building under construction collapsed in Nairobi’s Eastleigh neighbourhood on Friday, prompting an emergency response as several people were feared trapped beneath the rubble.
The building collapsed along 9th Street, near First Avenue, on Yusuf Haji Avenue, next to Day-to-Day Supermarket, disrupting business activities and drawing large crowds to the scene.
In a statement on Friday, October 23, the Kenya Red Cross said its response teams were heading to the site to assist with emergency operations. County emergency services and police also responded to the incident.
The number of people potentially trapped beneath the debris had not been confirmed at the time of reporting. The building’s ground floor was occupied, raising concerns about the safety of people inside when the structure collapsed.
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja and the police commander were reported to be at the scene as authorities coordinated the response.
The collapse brought business activities in the surrounding area to a standstill, with several shops closing as hundreds of people gathered to witness the incident.
Police deployed to control the growing crowd reportedly fired tear gas to disperse onlookers, triggering further disruption around the site.
The Kenya Red Cross urged members of the public to keep away from the affected area to allow emergency personnel to work safely.
“Kenya Red Cross response teams are en route to the scene. We urge the public to keep clear of the area to allow emergency teams to work safely,” the organisation said.
The cause of the collapse was under investigation, with further details about possible casualties and the extent of the damage yet to be confirmed.
