By Robai Ludenyi
Eight people sustained injuries after a six-storey building under construction collapsed in Maomboleo, Kisumu County, prompting an emergency response and the evacuation of nearby residents.
The Kenya Red Cross, working together with a multi-agency response team, confirmed that six of the injured people received medical attention at the scene. Two others were referred to hospital in critical condition, requiring further medical treatment.
Following the collapse, police officers moved in to secure the location and prevent residents and other members of the public from accessing the affected building.
All residents were successfully evacuated from the area, according to the Kenya Red Cross. The evacuation was carried out as emergency teams worked to assess the situation and reduce the risk of additional injuries.
Preliminary reports indicated that the building had tilted before being held in place by a neighbouring building. However, the exact circumstances that led to the tilting and subsequent collapse had not been established in the initial report.
The condition of the building and the potential risks to nearby structures remained a key concern as authorities continued their assessment. The presence of the neighbouring building reportedly supporting the tilted structure added to the need for careful examination before any further action could be taken.
Officials from the National Construction Authority (NCA) were at the site assessing the building and were expected to issue further instructions on how the situation should be handled. The NCA oversees construction regulation in Kenya and is responsible for ensuring that construction activities comply with the required standards.
Police officers cordoned off the construction site to restrict movement and allow the assessment team to carry out its work. The restriction is intended to protect residents, workers and emergency responders from possible additional structural hazards.
The cause of the collapse had not been confirmed, and there was no information in the initial report indicating whether construction materials, structural design, ground conditions or other factors contributed to the incident. Any determination of responsibility or failure to meet construction requirements would depend on the findings of the relevant authorities.
For now, the evacuation and police cordon remain important steps in keeping residents away from the affected structure as officials work to determine the extent of the damage and establish how the site should be managed.