Two people are feared to have been trapped after a bar collapsed in the Bamburi Mwisho area of Kadzandani Ward, Mombasa, on Sunday evening.
According to the County Government of Mombasa, the incident occurred at around 5:10 PM at a premises operating under the name Happy Annex Bar. The structure, which was reportedly built on top of a 120-foot-deep septic tank, was operating illegally without a valid trading permit.
County Disaster Management teams arrived at the scene by 5:30 PM after receiving distress calls from the public. Recovery operations began immediately, with technical support from the Mombasa Water and Sanitation Company (MOWASSCO), which has since fully exhausted the septic tank.
In a statement, the county government confirmed that two individuals remain unaccounted for and are feared to be trapped within the structure. Rescue and recovery teams remain on-site as efforts continue.
“This unfortunate incident serves as a stark and urgent reminder of the critical importance of ensuring all developments are regularized through the County Department of Planning. We cannot compromise on safety, public order, or the rule of law,” the statement read in part.
The county has urged residents and business owners to comply with planning approvals, routine inspections, and licensing requirements to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
“As we focus on the recovery efforts, we appeal to members of the public to cooperate with County authorities in matters of planning approvals, inspections, and business compliance,” said Governor Abdullswamad Sheriff Nassir.
The County Government pledged to continue providing timely updates as rescue efforts continue.
“We are grateful for the cooperation of the area MCA Hon Fatma Mote and National Government agencies coordinated by County Commissioner Mohamed Nur,” said the Governor.
“We extend our heartfelt sympathies to the affected families and stand in solidarity with the community of Kadzandani during this difficult time,” he added.