Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Seven-storey block of flats collapses in Nairobi

The seventh floor of the residential building in the city’s Haruma neighbourhood had still been under construction

Ian Johnston
Sunday 04 January 2015 23:48 GMT
Comments
Locals at a scene trying to rescue survivors from the rubble of a seven-storey building which collapsed in the Huruma area of Nairobi, Kenya
Locals at a scene trying to rescue survivors from the rubble of a seven-storey building which collapsed in the Huruma area of Nairobi, Kenya (EPA)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

A seven-storey block of flats in Kenya’s capital Nairobi has collapsed, killing at least one person and trapping an unknown number of others within the rubble.

Officials told the AFP news agency that 22 people had been rescued and a similar number had been taken to hospitals in the area.

The seventh floor of the residential building in the city’s Haruma neighbourhood had still been under construction but people had already moved into the other six floors.

Scores of emergency service personnel and local people were seen trying to dig in the remains of the building to rescue anyone trapped inside.

Eric Ochieng, who lived in the building, told AFP: “I'd gone out to watch the Arsenal game when the building collapsed. I rushed back for my wife and son, and I also pulled out two people and a child in the process.”

Nairobi county official Tom Odongo told local radio that the building did not have a permit from the local authorities.

“The fault lies with the developer, not the county government, because responsibility starts with the individual,” he said.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in