Several people are feared trapped after a multi-storey building collapsed in Kahawa West, Nairobi, on Sunday noon. Eyewitnesses say the building, which housed both businesses and residential units, crumbled without warning, leaving many in shock and prompting frantic rescue efforts.
A seven-second video shared by CityDigest News captured the terrifying moment the building came crashing down, sending onlookers running for their lives as a massive cloud of dust filled the air. Another video showed a group of concerned residents gathered outside the structure moments before it collapsed. A man can be heard instructing them to clear the area, but within seconds, the building gave way, falling to the ground.
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Emergency services have since been dispatched to the scene, and rescue operations are underway. However, the exact number of people trapped inside remains unclear. Residents in the area are anxiously awaiting updates, as authorities work to rescue those feared to be caught under the debris.
Unclear Cause of Collapse
As of the time of this report, the cause of the building collapse is yet to be determined. Preliminary eyewitness accounts suggest the structure may have shown signs of weakness before its sudden collapse. The building housed a mix of business establishments and residential apartments, raising fears that both tenants and workers could be among those trapped.
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Preliminary reports indicate area residents were informed about a possible collapse in advance. The building, which was marked for demolition, did not affect other adjacent structures.
The office of the Nairobi County CEC Environment also released a statement on Sunday, confirming that rescue teams had been deployed to evacuate residents from neighbouring buildings.
“The Nairobi City County Government confirms the collapse of a housing unit in Kahawa West area plot no. 233, along Station Road, Kahawa West. Currently, all Nairobi County Teams are fully engaged in disaster recovery and evacuating occupants from adjacent buildings,” the statement read.
This incident has drawn attention to the ongoing concerns surrounding construction standards and regulations in Nairobi, where similar collapses have been reported in recent years.