22 floors skyscraper in Westlands crumbles, workers trapped
A 22-storey building under construction in Westlands, Nairobi partially collapsed last night leaving several workers trapped beneath the debris.
In a statement posted on social media, Kenya Red Cross confirmed that rescue teams were swiftly deployed to the scene and were conducting search and rescue operations.
The incident occurred along School Lane in the Brookside area. The 22-storey structure gave way in part opposite Gardaworld Security, formerly KK Security offices, and near Principal Place, where VFS Global operates.
The agency later reported that at least four individuals had been successfully pulled from the rubble and were receiving medical attention.
“Response teams remain on site conducting search and rescue operations,” said the Kenya Red Cross.
Witnesses reported hearing a loud sound before seeing dust rise from the site, raising alarm among nearby workers and residents.
Authorities urged residents to keep away from the area to allow emergency responders to carry out their work without interference. The cause of the collapse has not yet been established, with investigations currently underway.
The incident comes just hours after a similar collapse in the Kaptebeswet Bypass area of Kericho County, where several people are feared trapped. Emergency response teams, including firefighters and ambulances, were dispatched by county authorities to manage the situation.
Earlier this week, another building collapsed in the Blue Estate area of Shauri Moyo, killing four people. According to the Kenya Red Cross, the structure gave way next to buildings that were being demolished on riparian land.
In a separate incident on January 11 in Karen, two workers died after a building under construction collapsed while masons were laying a slab on the first floor. Seven others were rescued with multiple injuries. Officials attributed that collapse to structural failure caused by poor workmanship and inadequate formwork.
