- A community hall in Mombasa collapsed during a football screening.
- Several people were trapped as the floor gave way and plunged into a septic tank.
- Emergency teams including Red Cross, police, and firefighters responded swiftly.
- Rescue operations are ongoing with fears some victims are still trapped.
- Authorities suspect structural weakness in the underground tank.
- Residents told to keep off the area as investigations begin.
What began as a lively evening for football lovers in Mombasa quickly turned into a nightmare after a local viewing hall caved in mid-match, trapping several individuals under debris. The venue, commonly used by residents for watching games and movies, collapsed without warning.
Eyewitnesses say the ground suddenly buckled during the screening, sending fans crashing into a compromised septic tank below.
Swift Response, Ongoing Rescue Efforts
Emergency services rushed to the site moments after the incident. Teams from the Kenya Red Cross Action Team (RCAT), the Mombasa County Fire Department, and law enforcement agencies arrived to assist with rescue operations.
“We’re doing all we can to find and save survivors,” said a County Disaster Response spokesperson. “But we’re moving cautiously due to the risk of further collapse.”
Authorities are yet to confirm how many people were inside the hall when the tragedy occurred, but fears persist that more may be buried beneath the wreckage.
Early Signs Point to Structural Failure
Initial assessments indicate that the septic tank beneath the hall was structurally unsound, and this may have contributed to the collapse. The venue has since been cordoned off, and residents have been asked to stay away to give rescuers space to operate.
Investigation Launched Into the Collapse
Local officials have assured the public that a thorough investigation will be carried out to establish whether construction standards were followed when the hall was built. There are also growing calls for urgent inspections of other similar structures in the area.
As families await word on their loved ones, the community is left in shock over a tragedy that turned a simple weekend plan into a devastating event.
