One person has died and another sustained serious injuries following the collapse of a wall during a house demolition in Isyukoni Village, Masinga Sub-county, Machakos County.
The tragic incident occurred on Thursday as three men were involved in the demolition of a residential structure. According to area Assistant Chief Timothy Kivati, the victims were working near a section of the house when the weakened wall suddenly gave way, burying two of them under heavy debris. One of the men died instantly, while the other was pulled out with serious injuries.
“The wall had become unstable during the process, and unfortunately, it collapsed before the workers could move to safety,” said Kivati. “We urge residents to engage professionals and observe safety guidelines during such activities to prevent future tragedies.”
The body of the deceased was transferred to Mbaku Funeral Home in Matuu, while the injured man was rushed to Matuu Level Four Hospital, where he is receiving treatment. His condition is reported to be serious but stable.
Authorities have since launched investigations into the cause of the collapse, with preliminary inquiries focused on whether safety protocols were adhered to during the demolition process. Officials are also probing whether the workers were equipped with proper protective gear and whether the site had been assessed for structural risks prior to the demolition.
Residents of Isyukoni Village have expressed concern over the increasing number of unregulated demolitions in the area. Many have called on the county government to implement stricter oversight and to ensure that only certified contractors undertake such high-risk work.
The Machakos County disaster response team has since visited the site to assess the damage and offer support to the affected families. Meanwhile, the incident serves as a somber reminder of the importance of following safety procedures during construction and demolition works.
As the investigation continues, authorities are urging all residents and contractors to prioritize safety and seek relevant approvals before commencing any demolition activities.
