Seven-storey block of flats collapses in Nairobi

The seventh floor of the residential building in the city’s Haruma neighbourhood had still been under construction

Locals at a scene trying to rescue survivors from the rubble of a seven-storey building which collapsed in the Huruma area of Nairobi, Kenya (EPA)

A seven-storey block of flats in Kenya’s capital Nairobi has collapsed, killing at least one person and trapping an unknown number of others within the rubble.

Officials told the AFP news agency that 22 people had been rescued and a similar number had been taken to hospitals in the area.

The seventh floor of the residential building in the city’s Haruma neighbourhood had still been under construction but people had already moved into the other six floors.

Scores of emergency service personnel and local people were seen trying to dig in the remains of the building to rescue anyone trapped inside.

Eric Ochieng, who lived in the building, told AFP: “I'd gone out to watch the Arsenal game when the building collapsed. I rushed back for my wife and son, and I also pulled out two people and a child in the process.”

Nairobi county official Tom Odongo told local radio that the building did not have a permit from the local authorities.

“The fault lies with the developer, not the county government, because responsibility starts with the individual,” he said.