Three storey building collapses in Murang'a town

A three storey under construction collapses in Murang'a town on Monday, June 19. [Boniface Gikandi, Standard]

"As it came down we heard people shouting for help from inside and rushed to the scene to try and assist," said Maguta.

Jane Wambui said she was passing along JuaKali road when the building collapsed.

"It was a horrific scene as we could hear the screams of people could be heard awaiting to be rescued," said Wambui, a banana vendor.

There was commotion as the crowd surged forward towards the building and made it impossible for the rescue team to advance.

The crowd however resisted police efforts to push them away from the scene as a youth was roughed up as he attempted to throw a stone.

Two hours after the collapse a good samaritan Karunji Thayu drove his earth moving equipment from Maragua to join in the rescue operation.

Mathiu said the police are working with a rescue team to get those trapped inside.

"Right now we don't know the number of people trapped inside but we are making efforts to reach them" said Mathiu.

A three storey under construction collapses in Murang'a town on Monday, June 19. [Boniface Gikandi, Standard]