Concern as eight workers at ill-fated Kandara building still unaccounted for

Eight people are suspected to be trapped in a building that collapsed in Kandara sub-County, Murang'a on Friday afternoon.

The building at Sun Star hotel collapsed at around 2pm while construction works were going on, trapping workers inside.

According to Murang'a County Police Commander Donatha Kiplangat, a rollcall conducted indicated that 58 people were working at the construction site when the building collapsed and that eight cannot be accounted for.

About 43 others were working at the hotel. Two were rushed to nearby hospitals with serious injuries.

The county security team has since mobilised a multi-agency rescue team that includes the Red Cross, National Disaster Management team, National Government Administrative Officers, the county fire brigade, Kenya Defence Forces and National Youth Service.

"We however fear more people could be trapped inside but we will do all we can to save them," Kiplangat said, noting that they are currently waiting for excavators to help remove the rubble.

Duncan Ochieng, the director of National Disaster Management Committee, said the building had four storeys and construction works were going on at the top floor.

He noted that a shortage of excavators in Murang'a county had delayed rescue efforts.

Dennis Murimi, a witness, said he heard a loud bang while passing near the hotel and rushed to the scene, only to find rubble.

Murimi with help from others helped save two workers. He says voices of those trapped could be heard calling for help from under the rubble.

"I see scores of people working on the building as I routinely pass by the road but I cannot tell how many," he said.

Anthony Mwangi, a boda boda rider, said he rode to the scene after he heard a loud bang.

Mwangi said the people trapped inside are thought to be plumbers who had not gone for lunch.

Witnesses further said some of the victims have been making phone calls asking for help.