A tragic incident unfolded in Nairobi's Eastleigh district on Friday afternoon when an 18-storey building under construction suddenly collapsed, leading to chaos and panic among witnesses. The collapse occurred during a peak time as many were heading out for Friday prayers, heightening the urgency of the situation.

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja confirmed that the structure, which was nearing completion, fell around 1 PM, sparking immediate rescue operations. Eyewitnesses reported harrowing scenes, with screams echoing as people realized the magnitude of the disaster. Omar Ahmed, coordinator of the Eastleigh traders' committee, indicated that shops on the ground floor were operational at the time, and many customers were present when the building gave way.

Reports suggest that there were concerns about illegal occupation on the lower floors of the building prior to its official commissioning. Bramwell Simiyu, the county's Disaster Chief Officer, indicated that authorities were still assessing how many individuals were inside at the time of the collapse. Rescue teams have been deployed to the site, with efforts underway to pump oxygen underground in hopes of reaching any potential survivors trapped beneath the rubble.

Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with one individual recalling a mother reciting the Islamic declaration of faith amidst the panic. "We heard one mother screaming and she was reciting the Islamic declaration of faith. One boy was shouting that his brother was inside," Ahmed recounted, highlighting the emotional turmoil experienced by those present.

As rescue operations continued, Nairobi's governor raised serious concerns regarding regulatory failures that may have contributed to the collapse. He emphasized the need for the national government to restore prosecutorial powers to county governors, arguing that this authority is crucial for enforcing construction standards in urban areas. Sakaja noted that contractors often disregard qualified engineers in favor of unqualified workers, which compromises safety standards.

The full extent of casualties remains unknown as rescue personnel work tirelessly at the site, mobilizing heavy equipment to aid in the search efforts. Videos circulating on social media captured the moment of the collapse, further intensifying the shock felt by the community.

Anti-riot police were deployed to disperse crowds that gathered at the scene, blocking access roads and complicating rescue operations. As the situation develops, the community remains on high alert, hoping for the safe recovery of those potentially trapped in the debris.