NAIROBI, Kenya- Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja says rescuers are creating an opening in the rubble of the collapsed Eastleigh building to let oxygen reach people communicating from inside.
The governor said the immediate priority was to save lives.
“We’ve heard people communicating from inside,” Sakaja said.
“We’re opening up a space so there’s oxygen, and then we can get the proper estimates of what else needs to be done.”
Rescue teams were clearing debris and had mobilised excavators, breakers and sniffer dogs, while working with multiple agencies.
The building collapsed on Friday along 9th Street in Eastleigh.
Sakaja’s office said the ground floor was occupied and there were reports that people may be trapped beneath the debris.
The number of people inside when the building came down has not been confirmed.
Sakaja also said action would be taken against the building’s owners.
The rescue operation is unfolding in a crowded commercial area, where access to the site has been difficult.
Police said crowds blocked roads leading to the building, hampering emergency responders, and officers used tear gas to clear access routes.
The Kenya Red Cross said its response teams had been dispatched to support the operation.
An injured woman was rescued and taken to hospital, according to reports from the scene.
Authorities had not released a confirmed count of those rescued, injured or still missing.
Nairobi Regional Police Commander Issa Mohamud said investigations are ongoing to establish whether there was criminal negligence.
He also confirmed that a woman was heard crying from beneath the rubble.
“Investigations will be carried out to establish who is responsible for any negligence,” the Nairobi Police boss said.
“If there are any deaths resulting from negligence, those responsible could face murder charges. Whoever owns the building or authorised its construction will be charged accordingly.”
The cause of the collapse is not yet known.
Rescuers are working to reach those believed to be inside while trying to keep the area accessible for emergency teams.
Sakaja said responders were opening space around the debris to allow oxygen in and assess what would be needed to continue the operation.
The reports of communication from beneath the rubble have heightened the urgency of the search. The operation remains ongoing.
