Meet Victor Onyango, Nairobi Businessman Pulled Alive From Eastleigh Building Rubble After 30 Hours

Victor Onyango, a Nairobi businessman, has narrated how he survived 30 hours trapped beneath debris after a building collapsed in Eastleigh, leaving him devastated after losing his tailoring business and personal belongings.

Onyango was working in his basement tailoring shop along 9th Street on Friday afternoon when the building suddenly crumbled.He was sewing as usual when the roof gave way, hurling him into a corner as concrete and broken materials fell around him.

As the structure continued collapsing, Onyango slowly climbed over the debris, desperately searching for an escape route. During the ordeal, he discovered that a woman was also trapped nearby.

Despite the frightening conditions, he continued navigating through the rubble until rescuers found him. He also guided the rescue team to the woman, helping them locate and pull her out.

After being rescued, Onyango was taken to Kenyatta National Hospital for treatment. He was later discharged to continue recovering at home.

However, his survival was accompanied by devastating losses. His sewing machines, fabrics and other possessions remained buried beneath the wreckage, destroying the business he relied on to support himself.

The businessman expressed uncertainty about how he would rebuild his livelihood after losing everything inside his shop.The building collapsed on Friday, October 23, while construction was still underway. It was located along 9th Street near Yusuf Haji Avenue in Eastleigh, Nairobi.

About 67 construction workers were reportedly at the site when the structure fell. Most managed to escape, with 66 reported unharmed and one sustaining injuries. However, people operating businesses on the lower floors were caught inside.

By Sunday, the National Police Service had confirmed that four people had been rescued alive as emergency teams continued searching for anyone who might remain trapped.

Kenya Red Cross teams, military personnel and police officers participated in the rescue efforts.

Meanwhile, investigations into the incident continued, with police seeking the building’s owner and contractor.

For Onyango, the road to recovery will involve more than healing from the ordeal.

He must also find a way to rebuild the business he lost beneath the collapsed building.

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ProfHamo [email protected]