www.Kisii.Com: Syndicated news from only reputable sources [Nation, and Standard Newspapers, Kenya Times, KBC, etc.]
Six feared dead as lack of gear slows rescue at collapsed building
- Details
- Published on Thursday, 18 June 2009 05:51
still trapped in a collapsed building.They braved sweltering sun and dust to supplement the work of two giant Caterpillar earthmovers that hacked through twisted metal and boulders to reach the base of the building.The rescue team comprised Red Cross personnel and residents.Yesterday, hope of finding the victims alive faded, more than 12 hours after the three-storey building they were constructing collapsed on them.
Nyanza PC Paul Olando and PPO Larry Kieng’ said one body had been recovered from the rubble.
Seven survivors are fighting for their lives in hospital, while four others were treated and discharged from the Kisii Level Five Hospital.
Cries of victims
Rescuers said they could hear cries of the victims trapped underneath."We heard the sound of a man but it went quiet shortly after. We hope we will get him alive," said Major Jason Nyandege, an expert from the National Disaster Operation Centre.
Nyadege led a rescue team from Nairobi.He said they had established from interviews with survivors that 16 workers were in the building when it came down on Saturday at 2pm."We are now convinced six people are still buried under the rubble," he said.Outside a tent pitched by police and the Red Cross, Mrs Anjeline Kerubo, 20, sat beside her brother-in-law James Omwoyo. Her husband, Mr Obed Moseti, is among those missing."I am praying that they find him alive. How I wish he is the one still speaking underneath," said Kerubo.The distraught woman said her husband was a casual worker at the site.
As hope of rescuing the victims dimmed, engineers from a Chinese construction firm building the Kisumu Airport arrived with a giant crane to help lift the debris. It was estimated that the rescue work could continue for the next 24 hours.Meanwhile, disaster experts said they had ordered the evacuation of people living in nearby houses. Some had developed cracks on top of spring
According to the PC, the building was constructed on top of a spring on a wetland.The PC wondered how the relevant Government agencies and the local municipal council approved the building. Olando said: "This is a serious matter and all those responsible will face the law."
As the rescue operation entered its second day yesterday, it emerged the construction of the ill-fated building had been approved by the Kisii Municipal Council.Town Clerk Kennedy Otwori said an engineer at the council approved the building plan.
"Once an officer of the council signs a document, the council becomes legally committed," Mr Otwori said.Meanwhile, Public Works Minister Chris Obure has said the Government is working on a legislation to control the construction industry.
Speaking in Kisii on Sunday, the minister said: "My ministry does not directly supervise private construction. That is in the ambit of the Local Government Ministry and the blame should fall squarely on the local authority."
