THIS is the terrifying moment a seven-story block of flats in Kenya collapses as locals watch on in horror.
Footage shows the exact moment the Nairobi building is reduced to rubble as plumes of thick dust rise into the sky.
SWNSA mother flees the scene with her child as the tower block in Nairobi, Kenya collapses[/caption]
EPAThe building is immediately reduced to rubble following thick plumes of dust rising[/caption]
Locals scream as they hear a loud bang and flee the scene in panic and a mother rescues her child from the crash.
A search-and-rescue mission is underway following the horror that took place in the Kahawa West neighbourhood in the East African country’s capital on Sunday.
Only one casualty has been confirmed but the Kenya Red Cross said several families are likely to remain trapped inside the building, according to local outlet The Star.
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja told X: “So far, the only one casualty has been reported; one middle aged lady.
“She was outside the building, she fell and injure when the building collapsed.
“She currently is receiving treatment and she is stable.”
However, it’s not yet known exactly how many others were inside the tower block at the time of collapse.
Dicken Muchena, 31, who witnessed the collapse, said: “The building had already been earmarked as a threat to people early today.
“There were signs of collapse so people started vacating.
“I went out to find out more on the ground and that is when the house came down.
“I was shell-shocked to see people who were near the building buried.
“There was horror at the scene and confusion.”
Governor Sakaja told X: “Nairobi City County and Multi Agency rescue teams continue search and rescue operations at the site of the collapsed building in Kahawa West.
“All required equipment has been assembled and mobilised. Nairobi County Deputy Governor, H.E Njoroge Muchiri is on site alongside the teams.”
Nairobi police boss Adamson Bungei said: “We are not sure if there were people still therein, but I know there was an evacuation that happened. They knew it was weak.”
The Kenya Red Cross posted an update to X: “Two people have been rescued and taken to Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral & Research Hospital.”
SWNSMoments before the building collapsed and left behind dusty rubble[/caption]