A six-storey building under construction has collapsed Thursday in Ruaka, Kiambu County, claiming two lives. This is the second building collapse in the Nairobi metro area in a week, coming just days after a building under construction came tumbling down in Kasarani .
The building in Ruaka collapsed over a neighbouring residential home whose occupants were sleeping at the time of the incident.
An aerial view of the Ruaka building collapse on November 17, 2022.
Photo credit: Francis Nderitu | Nation Media Group
A rescue worker at the site of the collapsed building in Ruaka on November 17, 2022.
Photo credit: Francis Nderitu | Nation Media Group
A rescue worker at the site of the collapsed building in Ruaka on November 17, 2022.
Photo credit: Francis Nderitu | Nation Media Group
Samuel Kahura, head of Kiambu Fire Brigade and Rescue Service, said rescue operation is ongoing.
''We believe more people could be under the rubble and we have teamed up with other agencies including Kenya Red Cross, military and police officers to rescue those trapped,’’ Mr Kahura said.
Personnel from the Disaster Response Unit search for survivors in the Ruaka building collapse on November 17, 2022.
Photo credit: Francis Nderitu | Nation Media Group
Meanwhile in Kasarani where another building collapsed on Tuesday this week, rescue operations had concluded on Wednesday night. At least three people were confirmed dead from this incident while six were rescued.
A construction worker who spoke to the Nation said City Hall officers arrived at the Kasarani site and advised workers to leave the construction site immediately. However, the building's supervisor reportedly asked the workers to ignore the warning and proceed with construction.
Witnesses said officers from the National Construction Authority also attempted to stop the construction on Tuesday morning but were chased away.
