Several Feared Trapped As Multi-Storey Building Collapses In Eastleigh

Eastleigh Multi-Storey Building Under Construction Collapses

Several people are feared trapped after a building under construction collapsed along 9th Street in Nairobi’s Eastleigh area on Friday afternoon.

The incident occurred on October 23, 2026, near the intersection with First Avenue, disrupting business and movement along the busy street.

Residents, traders and passersby gathered near the collapsed structure as concerns grew over the possibility of people being trapped beneath the debris.

The building was reportedly occupied on its lower floors despite construction work still being underway.

Authorities had not confirmed the number of people trapped, casualties or injuries by the time of publication.

Building Reportedly Reached 18th Floor

Eyewitness accounts indicated that the structure had reached its 18th floor before collapsing.

It remained unclear whether construction workers, occupants or other people were inside the building when the incident occurred.

Rescue efforts were expected to establish whether anyone remained trapped and determine the full extent of the collapse.

The circumstances surrounding the incident had not been established as details continued to emerge.

Questions also remained about whether the building had secured the necessary approvals and complied with applicable construction regulations.

The relevant authorities had not issued official statements addressing the building’s compliance status by the time of publication.

Traffic Disruption as Crowds Gather

The collapse caused significant traffic congestion on roads leading into and out of Eastleigh, one of Nairobi’s busiest commercial areas.

Movement around the affected section was disrupted as crowds gathered to observe the unfolding emergency.

Images and videos circulating from the scene showed residents assembling along 9th Street following the collapse.

The large gathering reportedly made it difficult for emergency responders and vehicles to access the site efficiently.

The situation was further complicated by Friday prayers, an important weekly religious observance for Eastleigh’s predominantly Muslim community.

Residents also took to social media livestreams to appeal to Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja to dispatch emergency response teams.

Authorities Yet to Issue Official Statement

The Nairobi County Government, National Police Service, National Disaster Management Unit and National Construction Authority had not issued statements on the incident.

Their response is expected to be important in establishing the circumstances of the collapse and clarifying the building’s regulatory status.

Authorities had also not confirmed the number of people who might have been inside the structure when it came down.

The immediate priority remained determining whether anyone was trapped and coordinating access for emergency responders.

Further details on casualties, rescue operations and the cause of the collapse were still awaited as the situation developed.