Four individuals are feared to be trapped under the rubble of a multi-story building that collapsed during construction in Nairobi, Kenya, on January 2, 2024. The incident occurred early in the morning in the Shopping Centre area of South C, sparking immediate emergency response efforts.
The Kenya Red Cross reported the collapse and confirmed that a multi-agency team is actively managing the rescue operations. According to their statement on X, the area has been cordoned off to facilitate the ongoing search and rescue activities, which involve the National Disaster Management Unit, Nairobi City County, and the National Police Service.
Efforts to locate the trapped individuals continued into the night, as rescue workers navigated the debris. Geoffrey Ruku, the Cabinet Secretary responsible for public service, indicated that four people are believed to be beneath the collapsed structure. He addressed the media, providing updates on the situation and the rescue efforts.
Witness accounts have added a personal dimension to the tragedy. Safia Ali Aden, whose brother is among those trapped, expressed her anguish, stating that her brother managed to make a phone call while he was trapped under the rubble. “We are asking the government to be speedy in the rescue so we can find my brother alive,” she told reporters, highlighting the urgency and emotional weight of the situation.
As rescue teams work tirelessly, concerns have arisen regarding the structural integrity of an adjacent building, which is being inspected for potential collapse. The cause of the building’s failure remains undetermined, and investigations are expected to follow once the immediate rescue operations conclude.
The incident has drawn significant attention, with many waiting anxiously for news of the trapped individuals. The Kenya Red Cross continues to provide updates as the situation develops, emphasizing the need for a swift resolution to the crisis.
