Amidst the chaos of a five-storey building collapse in Uthiru, Nairobi County, four individuals, including a nanny and two children from one household, along with a 10-year-old girl from another residence, are reported missing.
The tragedy struck in Nairobi’s Mountain View Ward, Westlands Sub County, along Naivasha Road, close to the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI).
Swiftly, the Nairobi City County emergency response team mobilized to evacuate residents to safety, with all families except for the four persons being accounted for by 10:00 pm, according to Nairobi Disaster Management Chief Officer Bramwel Simiyu.
Rescue operations are ongoing as the Nairobi City County Government coordinates the deployment of specialized equipment, with detailed investigations slated to commence the following day.
The Kenya Red Cross has attended to 10 individuals with minor injuries on the scene, ensuring immediate medical attention.
The collapse of Epsom View Apartments, a five-storey building on Naivasha Road in Uthiru, Nairobi, prompted an urgent search and rescue mission.
While most tenants were safely evacuated, concerns linger for two individuals, including a minor and an adult, who remain unaccounted for. Responding promptly, the Kenya Red Cross dispatched a team to assist in rescue efforts, working alongside firefighters from Nairobi City County.
Preliminary reports suggest that four people may be trapped under the rubble, as ten individuals with minor injuries have been rescued and treated at the scene.
As of 10 p.m., all families except for four individuals have been identified, according to Nairobi county disaster management chief officer Bramwel Simiyu.
The cause of the collapse remains under investigation, with witnesses noting structural concerns due to ongoing expansion works and heavy rains. Meanwhile, in Kutus town, Kirinyaga County, twenty families were evacuated after cracks emerged in a three-storey building under construction.
County officials, led by CECM for lands Samuel Kanjobe, acted swiftly to avert disaster, emphasizing the county government’s commitment to public safety and structural integrity assessments for all buildings.
Residents expressed fear and anxiety following incidents of falling building materials, underscoring the urgency of ensuring public safety in the aftermath of such incidents.
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