In a harrowing incident on Monday, four individuals were rescued from a collapsed three-story building in Nairobi’s Mukuru-Fuata Nyayo slum, situated within the Starehe Sub County.
The structure, undergoing partial demolition, crumbled amid ongoing efforts to clear structures from the Ngong River riparian land.
The collapse, which occurred around 3 p.m., was confirmed by Makadara police boss, Judith Nyongesa.
According to Nyongesa, the incident unfolded as a group of youths were extracting scrap metal from the building’s beacons and pillars on the ground floor.
Eyewitnesses described a scene of frenzied activity, with over 30 youths engaged in a competitive rush to cut metal rods, destined for sale to scrap metal dealers.
The incident underscores the risks associated with unauthorized activities amid demolition efforts. Authorities continue to emphasize the importance of adhering to safety protocols during such operations.
The swift response and rescue efforts prevented what could have been a tragedy, highlighting the crucial role of emergency response teams in mitigating such situations.
As investigations into the collapse commence, questions regarding the structural integrity of buildings in the area and the safety of ongoing demolition activities have come to the forefront.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance and adherence to safety measures in construction and demolition projects, particularly in densely populated urban areas where structures may be compromised due to age or improper maintenance.
Efforts to address the underlying issues, including illegal construction and land use violations, remain paramount to ensuring the safety and well-being of residents in Nairobi’s informal settlements.
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