Emergency teams were dispatched to Blue Estate in Shauri Moyo after a partially demolished building suddenly collapsed, leaving several people feared trapped beneath the rubble. The incident happened in the densely populated neighborhood located within Nairobi, drawing the attention of rescue workers and residents who rushed to the scene hoping to help those believed to be buried under the debris.
Early information from witnesses suggests that the people who may be trapped were inside the damaged structure collecting metal scraps.
The building had already been partly demolished and had become a common spot for scrap collectors searching for usable materials. When the weakened structure gave way, those inside were reportedly caught off guard as the walls and remaining sections came down.
The building was among several structures in the area that had been marked for demolition on Saturday, March 14.
Authorities had begun pulling down buildings that were considered illegal or unsafe, particularly those standing on riparian land. However, the partially demolished structure remained standing long enough for people to enter it in search of scrap metal.
According to Kenya Red Cross, rescue teams were quickly mobilized after the collapse was reported. In a brief statement, the humanitarian organization confirmed that the building came down in Blue Estate near structures that were already undergoing demolition due to their location on riparian land. The Red Cross also noted that the number of people trapped had not yet been confirmed, though emergency operations had begun to search through the rubble.
Residents in the area described chaotic moments immediately after the collapse. Some witnesses said they had seen at least five people moving inside the structure shortly before it gave way. Neighbors and bystanders gathered near the site while rescue teams tried to assess the damage and determine whether anyone could still be heard beneath the debris.
By the time of publication, officials had not confirmed whether there were injuries or deaths linked to the collapse. Rescue teams continued working carefully through the debris to locate anyone who might still be trapped.
While investigators have not yet established the exact cause of the collapse, several possible factors are being considered. The building had already been partially demolished, which may have weakened its remaining structure. In addition, recent heavy rains across the city may have affected the ground supporting the building. Prolonged rainfall can soak the soil and reduce its stability, sometimes leading to foundation shifts or sudden structural failure.
The incident happened just a day after the State Department for Public Health warned Kenyans to avoid unsafe buildings during periods of heavy rain. Officials urged residents to move away from structures that appear unstable and report any signs of danger.
Authorities have also raised broader concerns about flooding risks in several neighborhoods. On Sunday, the Ministry of Interior listed at least 37 estates that could face flooding. Many of these areas are located in the Eastlands section of Nairobi, including Kiambiu, Dandora, Kariobangi, Kayole, Komarock, Njiru, Ruai, Mwiki, Donholm, Savannah, Tassia, and Fedha, where unstable ground and poor drainage can increase the risk of building damage during heavy rains.
