Death toll rises in city building collapse

NAIROBI--The death toll has risen to 12 following yesterday’s collapse of a building in downtown Nairobi. At least 77 people, mostly construction workers were injured when a building under construction caved in. The building, on Ronald Ngala street in downtown Nairobi ,came crumbling down at 2.00pm East African time. Most of the injured were admitted at Kenyatta National Hospital – the country’s largest and teaching and referral hospital – some in critical condition. About 200 more people are feared trapped under the debris.

The Kenya police and army are leading in the rescue operations and have been joined by the American marines. A rescue team from Israel is also said to be on the way. Health minister Charity Ngilu has appealed for blood donations to replenish the dwindling stocks at Kenyatta Hospital.

President Mwai Kibaki, who was attending the AU summit in Khartoum, has cut short his visit and is expected back in the country today.