Nine workers killed after crane crumbles at construction site in Kilimani

Nine people including two Chinese nationals were killed on Thursday after a tower crane crumbled at a construction site in Nairobi’s Kilimani area.

Kilimani OCPD Andrew Mbogo confirmed the 12.30pm incident saying one of victims survived with serious injuries and was taken to Nairobi Women’s Hospital.

The Chinese company undertaking the construction, Zhejiang Chengjian Construction Africa, said crane came crashing down as the technicians were decommissioning it.

“Preliminary details established are as follows: While decommissioning our tower crane, part of it unfortunately collapsed killing nine (9) technicians, seven (7) of whom were of Kenyan nationality and two (2) of Chinese nationality. One (1) technician is currently receiving medical care,” said the company’s General Manager Zong Xudong in a statement.

“Our crisis team is currently in the process of contacting families of the affected persons.”

The site, which is opposite the Department of Defence (DoD) headquarters, is for the construction of a 14-storey student hostel, Qwetu residences.

Police and military personnel were involved in the rescue efforts.

The nine bodies have since been moved to Chiromo mortuary.