Two people have been confirmed dead after a building under construction collapsed, with 17 others escaping death by a whisker.
In the 10 am incident in the EPZ area of Kitengela, one block of a three-storey building tumbled down to the chagrin of the workers at the site during the incident.
The building within a residential area was a three-block, three-storey structure intended to be utilized as a school.
It is also said that the building was set to be utilized for classes beginning next term.
Flesom academy, which is adjacent to the collapsed building and said to be owned by a pastor, was to be relocated to the collapsed building.
Confirming the incident, Isinya district county commissioner (Dcc) Justus Musau called the incident unfortunate, further calling on residents to exercise caution when an incident occurs to avert exposing themselves to the risk of a possible double tragedy.
He reassured residents that all the concerned stakeholders had launched investigations into the incident to ensure no stone is left unturned in ensuring the safety of Kenyans is safeguarded.
Police drawn from Kitengela police station led by the officer commanding station (Ocs) David Lemayian were the first to arrive at the scene. The officers had a rough time controlling a surging crowd that wanted a glimpse of the incident in the glare of danger.
Kajiado emergency department working hand in hand with Red Cross officers, helped in retrieving the bodies, rushing those who sustained injuries to the nearby Kitengela hospital.
According to an account of one victim who escaped unhurt, John Gatune,30, said the two who lost their lives were on the ground floor while the others were taking porridge upstairs before the unfortunate incident happened.
The building did not have any construction sign, and it has since been established that it had no approval from the National Construction Authority (NCA).
The incident comes amid concerns by residents who have decried the increased number of upcoming storey buildings that appear dangerous, exposing tenants and residents to danger.
They urged NCA and other concerned agencies to investigate upcoming buildings to ensure they adhere to safety standards.
Those who cheated death included two female food vendors, four masons, and casual labourers.
Police moved the bodies of the two to Kitengela Sub County hospital.
