Building collapses in Nairobi, scores feared trapped in rubble

A seven storey building that was under construction in Kasarani area of Nairobi came crumbling down Tuesday. There are fears that a number of people, mostly those who have been working on the construction site, have been trapped in the rubble.

The building that collapsed is located near Kasarani Presbyterian Church of East Africa . Two people have been confirmed dead even as efforts to rescue those trapped in the ruble continue. Some of those injured were rushed to a nearby health facility.

Sources indicate the foreman ignored the advisory from the county authorities, which had asked the workers to leave. According to Reports, the foreman, on Tuesday, ordered some of the workers to hide in the building ahead of an inspection conducted by officials from the Nairobi County Government.

The officials declared the building unfit and consequently ordered the immediate cessation of any construction activities pending further direction.

Witnesses told the press that hours later, at 2 p.m, the building began caving in from one side. They tried to alert some of the workers, but only a few heeded their call.

Two workers, including a woman hired for the day, escaped by jumping off to the next building before the structure completely caved in.

Kenya Defence Forces, the Kenya Red Cross and county emergency officers are leading the rescue operations at the scene.