At least two people have been confirmed dead after a block of Gikomba Market collapsed and trapped several people during demolitions.
According to Kamkunji Member of Parliament (MP) Yusuf Hassan, on June 25, the victims were part of a group demolishing Block B when the structure suddenly gave way.
“Another tragedy has struck Gikomba Market. A group of young people was demolishing Block B when the structure suddenly collapsed, trapping several of them. Tragically, two people have been confirmed dead,” Hassan said.
He noted that Block B had already been severely weakened by the recent fire that swept through Gikomba Market, destroying nearly 90 percent of the stalls.
Gikomba Market Building Collapse Claims Two Lives During Demolition
The legislator described the incident as a stark reminder of the continued vulnerability facing traders and workers operating in the market.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the families of those who have lost their lives, those still trapped or injured, and the entire Gikomba community as they continue to grapple with these repeated setbacks,” he added.
Earlier, the Kenya Red Cross said it had joined the response alongside the Nairobi City County Fire Brigade and other emergency responders, and that search-and-rescue operations were launched immediately after the incident.
Also Read: Deaths and Loss of Millions as Fire Razes Down Gikomba Market Again
In its latest update on June 26, the Kenya Red Cross confirmed that the overnight search-and-retrieval operation had been successfully concluded through a joint effort involving the Nairobi City County Fire Brigade, Kenya Red Cross first responders, and the National Police Service.
The humanitarian agency added that it remains ready to provide psychosocial support to the affected families through the appropriate channels.
“The overnight search and retrieval operation at Gikomba Market has been successfully concluded through the joint efforts of the Nairobi City County Fire Brigade, Kenya Red Cross first responders, and the National Police Service,” read part of the statement.
Also Read: Uproar As Gikomba Market Demolished Overnight
Traders Count Loses As Fire Breaks Out
The incident comes days after a devastating fire swept through Gikomba Market in the early hours of Sunday, June 21, destroying numerous business premises.
According to the Kenya Red Cross, the fire broke out at around 4:00 a.m., rapidly spreading through several business premises and causing extensive damage as emergency teams mounted a response.
Images and videos from the scene showed huge clouds of black smoke hanging over Nairobi as fire ripped through sections of Gikomba Market, prompting an emergency response.
Motorists were encouraged to use alternative routes as the incident was expected to cause traffic disruption along Landhies Road, Kamukunji, Majengo, and adjacent roads.
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