Seven people feared dead after machine crumbles at construction site in Kilimani

Members of the public at the entrance of ZJCC Construction Company along Argwings Kodhek Road in Kilimani, Nairobi. [Eliud Kosgei, Standard]

At least seven people are feared dead after a lifting machine tumbled down at a construction site in Kilimani, Nairobi.

Regional police boss Augustine Nthumbi confirmed the Thursday afternoon incident, saying rescue operations at the building site, which is located opposite Silver Springs Hotel, was underway.

Kilimani DCIO Stephen Ole Tanki confirmed that fatalities were registered, though declined to reveal the exact number.

“As you know we’re still in the search and rescue process, and, therefore, it’s not easy to tell conclusively how many people have died or how many are injured in the incident,” said Tanki on phone.

Members of the public at the entrance of ZJCC Construction Company along Argwings Kodhek Road in Kilimani, Nairobi. [Eliud Kosgei, Standard]

As of the time of publication, ambulances, police and first-aid teams had arrived at the scene.

“The lifting machine disintegrated, throwing out site workers who were in it. The crane, thereafter, thudded against the ground, trapping several people,” an eye witness told The Standard.