Many feared trapped under collapsed building in Nairobi

A multi-story building under construction collapsed in Nairobi, Kenya on Friday, resulting in casualties and looting at the scene. The Nairobi County governor's office confirmed the incident, stating that people may be trapped beneath the rubble. Videos circulating online depicted a dramatic crash and a large plume of dust as the building came down in a busy mixed-use district.

The Red Cross dispatched teams to the site, reporting that the unfinished structure had between 10 and 18 stories. Governor Johnson Sakaja's office revealed that only the ground floor was occupied, while some businesses and workers were present on the lower levels. Local resident Abdi Aziz, 25, told AFP news agency that many had gathered for Friday prayers and were at the mosque, though the area was otherwise bustling.

Rescue operations proved challenging as police attempted to clear the area for emergency responders while simultaneously combating looters who began raiding nearby shops. Eastleigh, a densely populated residential and market area known for its Somali community, remains a frequent site for building collapses amidst Kenya's rapid construction boom.

The exact cause of the collapse remains unknown. Nairobi has experienced numerous such incidents over the past decade, with the Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis reporting 86 collapses between 2009 and 2019, resulting in an estimated 200 deaths. A separate audit revealed that 4.8% of almost 15,000 buildings were deemed very dangerous, while 72.3% were classified as unsafe.