Police Fire Tear Gas After Eastleigh Building Collapse

Police Fire Tear Gas After Eastleigh Building Collapse

Police fired tear gas to disperse a growing crowd on 9th Street, First Avenue, in Nairobi’s Eastleigh area after a multi-storey building collapsed.

The incident caused tension at the scene as residents and bystanders gathered while emergency teams began rescue operations.

Officers said the crowd had blocked nearby roads, making it difficult for emergency responders to reach the collapsed structure.

Several people were feared trapped beneath the rubble, raising concerns about the safety of workers and other people who may have been nearby.

Police Deploy More Officers

Nairobi police boss Issa Mohamed said the building was approximately 10 floors high when it collapsed.

He said emergency responders were heading to the scene as authorities sought more information about the incident.

“We are waiting for more information as the responders rush to save lives,” Mohamed said.

The police commander added that additional officers had been deployed to support the response and coordinate emergency services.

Their deployment came as authorities worked to manage the crowd and create access for teams responding to the collapse.

Rescue Operations Underway

The building collapsed at approximately 1 pm, drawing attention to the busy Eastleigh street and disrupting movement around the area.

The collapse raised fears that construction workers or pedestrians could have been caught inside or near the falling structure.

Emergency responders rushed to the scene as police worked to clear the affected roads and facilitate rescue efforts.

However, authorities had not immediately confirmed how many people were trapped, whether anyone had been rescued, or if casualties had been recorded.

The cause of the collapse also remained unclear, with further information expected as responders assessed the scene.

The incident renewed immediate concerns about the safety of people at construction sites and the risks posed by structural failures in busy neighbourhoods.

Authorities were expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the collapse as rescue teams continued their work.

Residents and families seeking information about people who may have been in the building faced uncertainty as officials gathered details.

Further updates on the rescue operation, possible casualties and the cause of the collapse were awaited.