Many feared trapped as a tall building collapses in Kenya

NAIROBI, Kenya — In a tragic incident on Friday, a heavily under-construction skyscraper in Nairobi's Eastleigh neighborhood collapsed, trapping numerous individuals within its ruins. The building, situated along a bustling commercial street, stood over ten stories tall and was in the process of being erected when the disaster struck around 1 p.m. As rescue efforts commenced, police faced the challenge of navigating the thick dust and debris while also dealing with reports of looting by desperate residents.

Chief Issa Mohamud of the Nairobi police acknowledged the complexity of the situation, emphasizing the need for both security and the timely arrival of emergency services. Among the fortunate few to escape was Joseph Kaula, a plasterer working on the fifth floor. Kaula recounted hearing the cries of his fellow workers and witnessing the frantic rush to evacuate before the catastrophic collapse.

"I was the last person to step outside as the building crumbled, engulfing everything in an avalanche of dust," Kaula described. He expressed concern for his colleagues who may have remained trapped in the building's basement. One person was reported injured in the aftermath of the incident.