A multi-storey building under construction has collapsed in Nairobi, Kenya, raising fears that construction workers and other people may be trapped beneath the rubble as emergency teams launch rescue operations.
The building collapsed on Friday afternoon, October 23, along 9th Street in the Eastleigh neighbourhood, a busy commercial and residential area of the Kenyan capital.
Nairobi County authorities said there were reports that people might be trapped beneath the debris. The exact number of people affected had not been established, and officials had not confirmed any fatalities at the time of reporting.
The Kenya Red Cross dispatched responders to support the emergency operation, while police officers and other emergency personnel arrived at the scene to coordinate the response.
Reports on the building’s height varied, with some describing it as a 12-storey structure and others reporting up to 18 storeys. The building was still under construction when it collapsed, although its ground floor was reportedly occupied.
Rescue efforts were complicated by crowds gathering around the site, with police reportedly using tear gas to clear access routes for emergency responders. Reports also described disorder and alleged looting near the scene.
The cause of the collapse was not immediately known. Authorities are expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident, including the building’s structural condition and compliance with construction regulations.
The incident has renewed concerns about building safety in Nairobi, where rapid urban development has heightened scrutiny of construction standards, inspections and enforcement.
Rescue teams continued working to establish whether anyone remained trapped beneath the debris as officials awaited further information on casualties and the extent of the damage.