Two dead, several feared trapped as fire-damaged Gikomba Market block collapses
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The building, which had suffered extensive structural damage during a fire that swept through the market early Sunday morning, collapsed while a group of young people were inside collecting scrap materials and demolishing parts of the structure.
Two people have been confirmed dead after Block B at Gikomba Market collapsed on June 25, 2026. (Photo: Abdirahman Khalif)More To Read
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Another tragedy has struck Gikomba Market. A group of young people were demolishing Block B when the structure suddenly collapsed, trapping several of them. Tragically, two people have been confirmed dead.
Block B had already been severely damaged by the devastating fire that… pic.twitter.com/B97os0mXFm— Yusuf Hassan (@MPyusufhassan) June 25, 2026Witnesses said several people had entered the building to collect metal and other materials from the remains of the structure when it collapsed. The force of the collapse buried several individuals under the rubble, prompting an emergency response from members of the public.Rescue teams moved to the scene shortly after the incident and began searching through the rubble for survivors. The exact number of people trapped inside the building has not been confirmed, although fears remained that more victims could be beneath the rubble.Two people have been confirmed dead after Block B at Gikomba Market collapsed on June 25, 2026. (Photo: Abdirahman Khalif)
The collapse has renewed concerns over the condition of buildings damaged by the Sunday fire, which tore through Gikomba Market and left many traders without places to operate. The market is one of Nairobi’s busiest trading centres and supports thousands of traders, workers and customers every day.According to Yusuf, Block B was among the sections of the market that sustained major damage during the fire.“Block B had already been severely damaged by the devastating fire that swept through Gikomba Market, destroying nearly 90 per cent of the stalls,” he said.The legislator said the latest incident highlighted the challenges facing traders and young people who depend on the market for their livelihoods. He noted that the collapse came at a time when many affected traders were still struggling to recover from the losses caused by the fire.He further expressed condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and wished a quick recovery to those who were injured in the incident.“My thoughts and prayers are with the families of those who have lost their lives, those still trapped or injured, and the entire Gikomba community as they continue to grapple with these repeated setbacks,” he said.Other Topics To Read
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