Five feared trapped in rubble after building tumbles

Two people died while five others were feared to be trapped in the rubble after a four-storey building that was under construction collapsed in Mombasa on Thursday.

By the time of going to press, rescue efforts involving military personnel, Mombasa council, Kenya Ports Authority and wananchi (citizens) were ongoing at the scene of the tragic incident.

An initial statement by Coast Province police commander Kingori Mwangi indicated that two people with serious injuries and six others with minor injuries were admitted to Coast Provincial General Hospital.

The military and the police had a difficult time controlling wananchi, who were surging forward to witness the rescue operation.
Several streets, including Kenyatta Avenue, were closed to control vehicular traffic as more ambulances and fire fighters arrived at the scene.

Unconfirmed reports indicate that there were about 19 people, including masons and some people who were working at a garage in the building’s basement.

Two vehicles, which were parked in the basement, were crushed during the 10.30am incident. Mr Mwangi said that more people could be injured or even dead.

Thick dust

“Most of those trapped are casual workers, but we hope that the number will not be as large,” he said. Witnesses who talked to the Press said they heard a loud bang, followed by thick dust billowing in the air, as they rushed to the scene.

They also heard people screaming for help, the said. Coast PC Earnest Munyi, Mvita MP Najib Balala, Mombasa Mayor Mohammed Mohdhar and Town Clerk Tubman Otieno were among leaders who arrived at the scene. They condemned the poor construction of the building.