Rescue teams in Nairobi are searching for seven missing people after a high-rise building collapsed on Friday.
Rescue teams are searching for seven missing people in Nairobi. A large building collapsed in the capital of Kenya on Friday. This structure stood between 16 and 18 stories tall.
Also, video footage captured the moment the building fell. The bottom floors gave way first. The entire structure crumbled into a massive pile of dust and debris.
Meanwhile, dozens of construction workers were inside during the incident. Most of them escaped without major injuries. Officials reported that 66 workers walked away safely.
However, one worker sustained injuries that are not life-threatening. The seven missing individuals were likely inside shops on the ground floor. These shops were already open for business.
Next, emergency responders faced challenges at the disaster site. They stopped using heavy diggers during the search. They feared these machines might cut off air supplies to trapped survivors.
As a result, rescuers are cutting through metal and concrete manually. They hope to reach anyone still trapped underneath the heavy rubble. The work continues in the Eastleigh area.
Still, the collapse has sparked serious questions regarding safety standards. Officials confirm that the building was still under active construction. Scaffolding remained visible on the exterior of the structure.
Furthermore, Nairobi Governor Sakaja Johnson addressed the situation publicly. He stated that the owners lacked the necessary permits for occupancy. He wants stronger laws to punish developers who ignore safety rules.
Finally, investigators are looking into the cause of the disaster. The National Construction Authority identified the developer and the engineering team. This tragic event highlights ongoing concerns about building regulations in Kenya.