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Storey building collapses in downtown Nairobi


Three people were rushed to the Kenyatta National Hospital with serious injuries after a building collapsed on Accra Road, Nairobi.

The building — Superior Arcade — previously hosted the popular Tea Room which also acts as a meeting point for most travellers to rural towns.

Safe and sound

Confirming the incidence, Nairobi divisional police chief Patrick Oduma said no death was reported during the incidence.

“Our rescue team was here on time to rescue those trapped inside the building and I can confirm that the victims are safe and sound,” noted Oduma.

Business along Accra road came to a standstill with the crowd making it almost impossible for motorists to find their way out of the menace as they went closer to take a glimpse of what had transpired.

The accident happened at around 12pm. Up until its demolition, the building had several shopping stalls operating.

Until almost 2pm the area was still unsecured by the security with people carelessly walking up and down the building.

Oduma noted that the owner of the building was yet to be identified, saying investigations were ongoing to identify the building’s contractor.

Eye witness said the demolition had begun from the bottom of the building, weakening its stability.

“The person who was spearheading the demolition never gave us the correct direction on how to go about demolishing the whole building in a coordinated manner, and that could be the reason everything went wrong,” noted Davis Adurwa one of those involved in the demolition.

Three people got injured while four escaped unhurt.

The police boss wished those injured a fast recovery, adding that the accident was unfortunate.

Rescuers at the collapsed building along Accra road.
Rescuers at the collapsed building along Accra road.
Central OCPD Patrick Oduma addresses the press at the scene of the collapsed building. PHOTO | DAVID NJAAGA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The ruins of the collapsed building in Nairobi. PHOTO | DAVID NJAAGA
The ruins of the collapsed building in Nairobi. PHOTO | DAVID NJAAGA

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