Sixteen-storey Nairobi building collapses with seven feared trapped

Eighteen-storey building collapses in Nairobi's Eastleigh district

An 18-storey building under construction in Nairobi’s Eastleigh district collapsed on Friday afternoon, sparking fears that several workers and passersby may be trapped under the rubble. The incident occurred around lunchtime, a period that coincided with Friday prayers. Local residents and witnesses believe this timing may have significantly reduced the number of people inside or near the structure at the moment of the collapse, potentially averting a higher casualty count. Emergency responders and volunteers launched rescue operations immediately after the structure came down, searching through the massive piles of debris for survivors. The rescue mission was complicated by the dense urban layout of the Eastleigh area and the large crowds that gathered at the scene. In the chaotic aftermath, reports of attempted looting surfaced, prompting police to deploy tear gas to disperse the crowds and secure the perimeter. This intervention was necessary to create a safe working environment for the emergency teams trying to reach those feared trapped. This latest incident has reignited intense scrutiny over construction safety and regulatory compliance in Nairobi. The city has experienced a surge in the number and pace of high-rise building projects in recent years, often leading to concerns about the quality of materials and structural integrity. Authorities are expected to launch a formal investigation to determine whether the 18-storey structure met all legal requirements and safety standards. The collapse serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges facing the construction industry in Kenya's capital.