Panic in Kahawa West as 7-Story Structure Collapses, Rescue Ongoing
A tragic incident struck Kahawa West on Sunday, October 20, when a seven-story building collapsed, leaving several people feared trapped under the rubble. Rescue teams, led by the Kenya Red Cross, quickly mobilized, with hopes of pulling out survivors as the community grappled with the devastating scene.
In a statement, the Kenya Red Cross confirmed that rescue operations were underway, expressing concerns over potential casualties. “A multi-agency response team is currently responding to a building collapse in Kahawa West, Nairobi County, where people are feared trapped,” the Red Cross reported. The organization, alongside local authorities, is leading efforts to assess the damage and secure the area.
Unconfirmed reports from the area suggest that the building had been marked unsafe by the National Construction Authority (NCA). Residents claim that they were advised to vacate after early signs of structural failure were detected, but tragically, not everyone managed to evacuate in time.
According to locals, cracks and unusual sounds were noted from the building earlier in the day, prompting some residents to warn their neighbors and urge them to leave.
In a chilling video shared by a local news outlet, skynews.co.ke, the moment the building collapsed was captured, showing residents frantically running for safety.
“Move away!” one witness can be heard shouting, moments before the structure came crashing down, followed by screams as debris clouded the air. Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with panicked residents scrambling to escape the falling structure.
Although the exact number of people trapped remains unclear, the rescue teams are racing against time, hoping to save as many lives as possible. As the night falls, authorities remain on the ground, with floodlights set up to continue the search for survivors.
The cause of the collapse is under investigation, but early reports point to poor construction practices and the possible violation of building safety standards.
The incident highlights the ongoing challenge of enforcing construction regulations in fast-growing urban areas like Kahawa West.
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Panic in Kahawa West as 7-Story Structure Collapses, Rescue Ongoing
