Rescue teams in Nairobi have detected signs of life under the debris of an 18-storey building that collapsed six days ago. The building, located along 9th Street in Eastleigh, Nairobi, came down on October 25, 2026, trapping several people under the rubble. According to reports, specialized equipment operated by Chinese experts has detected signs of survivors, boosting hopes of rescuing additional people. The equipment is being used to locate individuals trapped beneath the tons of steel and concrete debris.
The discovery of the survivors was made on Tuesday evening, October 27, as rescue operations entered their sixth day. Two more people have been discovered alive beneath the rubble, raising hopes of a successful rescue mission. However, as of Wednesday evening, October 28, rescue teams had yet to reach the two individuals. Rescuers have continued working around the clock to reach those trapped inside the collapsed structure, with approximately 85 per cent of the rubble reportedly cleared.
The Chinese specialists are deploying advanced life-detection equipment designed to identify signs of life beneath heavy debris. Among the devices being used is the Delsar LD3 acoustic life detector, which picks up faint sounds and vibrations that could indicate the presence of survivors. The Jeet white-light thermal imaging Snake Eye life detector and the SJ6000 radar detector are also being used to detect subtle movements associated with breathing.
At least 16 people remain missing, according to reports, prompting rescue teams to intensify efforts to establish their whereabouts. The detection of the two survivors has heightened the urgency of the operation as teams work to reach them safely. Rescue teams are working tirelessly to clear the remaining debris and locate those still trapped.
Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have stepped up investigations to establish the circumstances that led to the collapse of the 18-storey building. Several individuals have reportedly been questioned as investigators seek to determine whether negligence, regulatory failures or other factors contributed to the incident. Those questioned include several Nairobi County officials and one of the building’s three owners.
Investigators are seeking to establish whether the building had the necessary approvals, underwent the required inspections and complied with construction standards and safety regulations. Officers from the National Construction Authority (NCA) were also expected to be questioned as the investigation widened. The investigation aims to determine what caused the deadly building collapse.
As rescue operations continue, authorities face the dual task of reaching those still believed to be trapped beneath the rubble and determining what caused the deadly building collapse. Those believed to have been trapped inside the building were mainly individuals who had been operating businesses there before the structure was completed. The rescue efforts are ongoing, with rescuers working to reach the survivors as soon as possible.
Key points
- Two survivors detected under debris of collapsed Nairobi building
- Advanced life-detection equipment being used to locate survivors
- Investigation underway to determine cause of building collapse
