Four individuals are feared trapped beneath the rubble of a multi-story building that collapsed during construction in the Shopping Centre area of South C, Nairobi County, on the morning of January 2, 2024. The Kenya Red Cross confirmed the incident and is actively coordinating rescue operations at the site.
Rescue efforts commenced shortly after the collapse, with a multi-agency response team including the National Disaster Management Unit and the Nairobi City County Police on the scene. The area has been cordoned off to facilitate ongoing search and rescue operations, which continued into the night.
Geoffrey Ruku, the Cabinet Secretary in charge of Public Service, confirmed to reporters that four people are believed to be trapped in the wreckage. The situation has drawn significant attention, and families of the missing have gathered at the scene, anxiously awaiting updates.
One family member, Safia Ali Aden, identified as the sister of one of the trapped individuals, expressed her distress. She revealed that her brother had managed to make a phone call while he was trapped, urging the authorities for a swift rescue. “We are asking the government to be speedy in the rescue so we can find my brother alive,” she stated.
As rescue operations progress, safety concerns have also emerged regarding an adjacent building, which has shown signs of potential collapse. Emergency teams are inspecting the structure to prevent further incidents.
The cause of the building’s collapse remains unknown at this time. Investigations will likely follow to determine the circumstances that led to this tragic event. The Kenya Red Cross continues to provide updates on the situation as efforts unfold to locate the missing individuals.
