One person has been confirmed dead and three others remain trapped after a two-storey building under construction collapsed in Chesanga, Kericho County, police have said. The incident has sparked panic among residents and construction workers in the area.
According to police, the building came down suddenly, burying workers under heavy debris. Emergency responders were quickly alerted as screams for help were heard moments after the structure caved in.
The deceased is believed to have been among the construction workers on site when the building collapsed. Authorities have yet to release the victim’s identity pending notification of family members.
Three other people are still feared trapped beneath the rubble. Rescue teams, including county emergency personnel and firefighters, have been deployed to the scene in a race against time.
Heavy machinery has been brought in to assist with lifting concrete slabs and twisted metal. However, rescuers are proceeding cautiously to avoid triggering further collapse that could endanger both survivors and responders.
Residents of Chesanga gathered near the site, some offering help while others anxiously waited for updates. Police have since cordoned off the area to allow rescue operations to proceed without interference.
Kericho County officials confirmed that ambulances remain on standby to transport survivors to nearby hospitals. Medical teams are prepared to handle emergency cases as soon as victims are retrieved.
Preliminary reports indicate the building was still under construction at the time of the collapse. Investigators are now working to establish whether structural weaknesses, poor workmanship, or non-compliance with building regulations contributed to the tragedy.
Police have launched a formal investigation and warned contractors against ignoring safety standards. They emphasized that anyone found culpable will face legal consequences.
Rescue efforts continued into the evening as hopes remained of pulling the trapped victims out alive. Authorities have urged calm as the situation unfolds and promised to provide updates once more information becomes available.
