Multi-Story Building Collapses, 4 Feared to Be Trapped

At least four people are believed to be trapped beneath the rubble after a multi-story building under construction collapsed in Kenya’s capital, Nairobi.

The incident occurred early Friday morning, Jan. 2, in the Shopping Centre area of South C, Nairobi County. The Kenya Red Cross confirmed the collapse and said emergency crews were immediately dispatched to the scene.

“A multi-agency response team is on site managing the situation,” the organization said in a statement shared on X.

Authorities later secured the area as rescue efforts continued, with teams from the National Disaster Management Unit, Nairobi City County, the National Police Service, and the Kenya Red Cross working together in the search operation.

As night fell, rescue crews remained at the scene while officials also began inspecting a nearby building after it showed signs of potential structural instability.

Geoffrey Ruku, the cabinet secretary responsible for public service, told reporters that four people were believed to be trapped inside the collapsed structure, according to the Associated Press.

Safia Ali Aden, identified as the sister of one of those missing, said her brother managed to place a phone call from beneath the debris.

“We are asking the government to be speedy in the rescue so we can find my brother alive,” she said.

The cause of the collapse has not yet been determined, and investigations are expected to follow once rescue operations conclude.