Workers Trapped as Four-Storey Hotel Building Collapses in Murang’a

About 10 people are feared trapped after an unfinished hotel building collapsed at Makegi area in Kandara, Murang’a County.

The five-storey structure that was under construction caved in on Friday afternoon, trapping an unknown number of workers.

Gatanga Deputy County Commissioner David Rotich says rescue operations are underway to save those trapped.

A multi-agency rescue team comprising personnel from Red Cross, National Disaster Management, the county fire brigade, Kenya Defense Forces, and National Youth Service was mobilized for the operation.

Fire engines and ambulances from Murang’a and the neighboring Kiambu County arrived at the scene minutes after the hotel crumbled.

Some survivors were rescued from the rubble and rushed to the hospital for medical attention.

"We however fear more people could be trapped inside but we will do all we can to save them," Kiplangat said.

Duncan Ochieng, the director of the National Disaster Management Committee, said construction works were going on the top floor when the building at Sun Star Hotel crumbled.

He said rescue efforts were delayed by a shortage of excavators in Murang'a County.