This archive report was first published on 7 December 2019.
At least five people have lost their lives in the Tassia building collapse, with rescue operations still underway to locate those trapped under the rubble.
According to the Kenya Red Cross, 26 people have been reported missing, while 18 survivors were pulled out alive and taken to Mama Lucy Hospital for treatment.
Of the survivors, 16 have been discharged, while two are still undergoing treatment, and one more is admitted at Bristol hospital.
Published on December 7, 2019, the rescue operation is being conducted by a multi-sectoral team comprising of the Kenya Red Cross, Military, Police, St John Ambulance and County responders.
Nairobi regional commissioner Kang’ethe Thuku explained that the military have taken charge of the operation due to their expertise in handling such situations.
”We had come with equipment but we found some cannot be used, some of the excavators can cause damage or injure more, that is why KDF have taken charge because they know which equipment works better,” Thuku said.
The National Disaster Management Unit and the Kenya Red Cross have set up a command post and tent to coordinate rescue and offer support.
Investigations are underway to determine the cause of the collapse, with preliminary reports suggesting that the structure was built on a swampy area.
