One person died and several others were injured when a balcony of a semi-complete storey building collapsed in Ndagani in the outskirts of Chuka town.
The accident occurred when Coco Lounge bar balcony collapsed, hurling down 14 revellers.
Addressing the press at the scene of accident, Meru South Deputy County Commissioner Albanos Ndiso said his team would secure the building until the investigations are complete.
Tharaka Nithi County Lands, Physical and Urban Planning Minister Jasper Nkanya said that the county trade officers and his department are holding the owner of the building to assist in investigations.
“My department is going to investigate if the owner of this building has a license to be operating on an incomplete building that puts human lives at risk and also if the operation of the lounge is licensed to operate,” said the Mr Nkanya.
Nkanya further disclosed that his department is going to inspect all houses over their viability for occupation to avoid similar cases from happening.
The victims, some of them Chuka University students, were taken to the local referral hospital.
Ndagani suburb is home to Chuka University and many university students reside in private hostels outside the institution.
