MURANG’A, Kenya — In a shocking turn of events, a three-storey building under construction in the bustling town of Murang’a collapsed on Monday, sparking fears of casualties and prompting a frantic search for survivors.
The building, located in the heart of the town, crumbled in the early afternoon, trapping an unknown number of builders who were working on the site. The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, as rescue teams scramble to locate and extract those feared trapped under the rubble.
The cause of the collapse remains unclear, but local authorities have launched an investigation into the incident. The building was reportedly in the final stages of construction, and the workers were putting on the finishing touches when the structure gave way.
Witnesses at the scene described a loud crash followed by a cloud of dust. “It was like an earthquake,” said one local shop owner, who asked not to be named. “We heard a loud noise, and then the building was just… gone.”
Emergency services were on the scene within minutes, working tirelessly to clear the debris and locate any survivors. The Kenya Red Cross has also dispatched a team to assist with the rescue efforts.
The incident has raised concerns about building safety standards in the country. While the construction sector in Kenya has been booming, critics argue that safety regulations have not kept pace with the rapid development. There have been several building collapses in recent years, often resulting in fatalities.
The Governor of Murang’a County, Mwangi wa Iria, expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and promised a thorough investigation into the incident. “We will ensure that all those responsible for this tragedy are held accountable,” he said in a statement.
As night fell, the rescue operation continued under floodlights, with the local community holding its breath for any signs of life under the rubble. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential human cost of rapid urban development, and the urgent need for stringent safety standards in the construction industry.
This is a developing story. More updates will follow as information becomes available.