Police Fire Tear Gas as Chaos Erupts at Eastleigh Building Collapse Scene

Police officers lobbed tear gas to disperse crowds that gathered at the scene of a multi-storey building collapse in Nairobi’s Eastleigh area on Friday, October 23, 2026.

The incident occurred along 9th Street, where a building under construction suddenly collapsed, raising fears that several people could be trapped beneath the rubble.

The collapse attracted large crowds, disrupting emergency operations as rescuers attempted to access the site.

According to reports, police fired tear gas to disperse onlookers and clear access routes for emergency response teams. Officers said the crowds had blocked roads, making it difficult for emergency service providers to reach the scene.

Witnesses also reported chaotic scenes, including alleged attempts to collect scrap metal from the debris, stone-throwing incidents and interference with ambulances.

Kenya Red Cross Responds

The Kenya Red Cross Nairobi Branch confirmed that its emergency response team had been dispatched to support rescue operations.

In a statement shared on X, the organisation said the incident occurred at approximately 1:40 pm on Friday.

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“The Nairobi team has been dispatched to the scene to support the response,” the Kenya Red Cross said.

Amateur video footage circulating online captured the moment the building collapsed, showing concrete floors giving way in quick succession.

Pedestrians were seen scrambling for safety as a thick cloud of dust spread across the surrounding streets.

The incident also prompted nearby businesses to close temporarily, while traffic around the busy commercial neighbourhood came to a standstill.

Several Feared Trapped

Authorities and emergency responders faced the challenge of assessing the situation and determining whether construction workers, tenants or passers-by were trapped beneath the debris.

The exact number of people affected had not been established by the time of publication.

Police officers remained at the scene as emergency teams worked to manage the crowds and facilitate rescue efforts.

The collapse has renewed concerns about building safety in Nairobi, particularly involving high-rise structures under construction.

Further details about casualties, the cause of the collapse and the building’s compliance with construction regulations were still awaited.

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