Three dead as building collapses in Kisii town

Three people are confirmed dead and nearly 40 seriously injured after a ten-storey building which was under construction collapsed in Kisii Town. The building which went down at around 11.30 am saw two other neighboring buildings which were occupied, being affected and even some of the floors collapsing.

Several vehicles packed under the building were trapped in the debris as the building which is said house an alcohol depot collapsed. “We had reached the tenth floor and were moving to eleventh floor. We heard it shake and managed to go out before it collapsed. Some people are trapped inside and we could hear them cry. Let us hope they will be saved,” said one of the constructors who did not want be identified.

Rescue mission is still under way but it could not be confirmed how many people are affected.

According to sources, the construction of the building has been under spotlight for failing to meet required standards and was even recommended for demolition.

There are questions over how the owner of the building went on with the construction despite being earmarked for demolition. “
Kisii Governor James Ongwae and his Nyamira counterpart John Nyagarama who were on a peace mission at Ikorongo on the Kisii-Trans Mara border cut short their activities and rushed to the scene. Addressing the press shortly after arrival on the scene, Governor Ongwae confirmed that two people are dead, one left with serious pelvic injuries, another one with head injuries and 31 others with minor injuries.

“I want to send my condolences to the families of the two who died in this accident. I am informed that two people sustained serious injuries, one on the head and another one with pelvic injuries. Those with minor injuries and are getting treatment at Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital. Rescue missions are still underway and we will keep you posted,” he said.

Meanwhile, Kisii County Commissioner Kula Hache, who accompanied them, urged the public to clear from the scene to help security agents continue with the rescue mission.