A construction site in Nairobi's Pangani estate on Saturday became the scene of a tragic incident after the scaffolding of an 18-floor building under construction collapsed.
Atleast four people are feared while eight have been reported injured.
Starehe Sub-County Police Commander Mr William Sirengo has confirmed that four people lost their lives on the spot, while several others were rushed to various hospitals with injuries.
Nairobi County Disaster Management Coordination Sector team help in rescue operation after the scaffolding of a building under construction in Pangani estate collapsed on December 2, 2023.
Photo credit: Bonface Bogita | Nation Media Group
Speaking to the media, Mr Sirengo sent his heartfelt condolences to the affected families.
“The injured have been to various medical facilities, with critical cases referred to Kenyatta National Hospital," Mr Sirengo told Nation .
Members of the public watch the rescue operation at the site of the building under construction in Juja B estate whose scaffolding collapsed on December 2, 2023.
Photo credit: Bonface Bogita | Nation Media Group
However, the Pangani Sub-Location village elder, Jeremiah Kioko, contradicted the initial reports, with claims that more than 10 people lost their lives in the incident.
According to Mr Kioko, six people were confirmed dead at the scene while four are receiving treatment in hospital.
Red Cross Kenya Regional Manager Patience Kitonga addressing journalists at the scene of the accident in Pangani estate on December 2, 2023.
Photo credit: Bonface Bogita | Nation Media Group
“Six people died on the spot, four were rushed to a nearby hospital and more casualties referred to Kenyatta National Hospital. I believe the number of those who have lost their lives is higher," he said.
At the same time, he asked the government to ensure that all the buildings under construction in the area are inspected.
“We are pleading with the government to take action against the owner of this building and ensure that comprehensive inspections are conducted on all construction sites,” he said.
Kenya Red Cross team at the site of the Pangani building under construction whose scaffolding collapsed on December 2, 2023.
Photo credit: Bonface Bogita | Nation Media Group
Victor Ochieng’, a mason who was working in the building, recalled how the incident happened.
“I saw the scaffolding collapse. Construction workers were on the 18th, 17th, and 16th floors. The incident happened around 2pm. Even before the rescue team arrived, we rushed to the rooftop and discovered three bodies and two people who were critical injured. Approximately 10 people were on the scaffolding at the time of the accident," Mr Ochieng' told the Nation .
The Nairobi Rescue team and the Red Cross, led by Regional Manager Patience Kitonga, are present leading the rescue and recovery operation at the scene.
