2 Workers Die After Crane Collapses On Them While Painting Building

Preliminary reports indicated that the crane they were working on had developed a mechanical fault as they were painting a building in the area, on the fourth floor.

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Feb 19, 2024 - 17:40
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2 Workers Die After Crane Collapses On Them While Painting Building
Residents at the accident scene in Meru where two workers lost their lives. /OMWAMBAKE

Two middle-aged construction workers died during working hours on Monday, February 19 after a crane had collapsed on them in the Makutano area of Meru County.

Preliminary reports indicated that the crane they were working on had developed a mechanical fault as they were painting a building in the area, on the fourth floor.

Confirming the incident to the press, Imenti North OCPD Ezekiel Chepkwony revealed that the crane which had three people on board malfunctioned in the afternoon, taking its three occupants down with it.

Construction workers at the scene where a crane collapsed at a construction project for a 14-storey student hostel in Nairobi on August 26, 2021. /AP NEWS

A third man however survived the fall and is being treated for injuries at a local facility.

The police boss said a probe was launched to ascertain whether the contractor had met the requisite safety requirements, warning that action would be taken in line with the law should the contractor be at fault.

In a statement, the Kenya Red Cross reported that it had sent a response team to the scene to attend to the affected individuals.

"Crane collapse reported in Makutano, Meru County. Response teams are en route to the scene. Updates to follow," Kenya Red Cross stated.

The latest incident raised more safety concerns at blue-collar worksites, with such incidents becoming common at construction sites.

Workers slip off higher floors and die while on duty whereas others are hit by falling debris and die on the spot.

The incident is reminiscent of one that occurred in December 2023 at a building under construction in Eastleigh, Nairobi which was attributed to a scaffold incident.

According to a statement issued by the State Department Principal Secretary (PS) Joel Arumonyang, the incident occurred when workers on the 17-floor Bajuun Tower residential project along Mukunga Street were plastering the external walls of the 15th, 16th, and 17th floors.

"The workers were operating from a timber platform supported by a scaffold made of old wooden planks," the statement read in part. 

"Due to weather elements, the structure had become weak and unsound, and could no longer support the weight of the workers, equipment and materials."

Initial reports revealed that the scaffolding collapsed from the 10th floor and onto an adjacent property, taking the workers with it. Four people died from the collapse.

PS Arumonyang added that during the incident, the construction workers lacked personal protective equipment, especially helmets and safety harnesses. 

Area residents decried the state of construction in the Pangani and Eastleigh areas, stating that developers were ignoring safety standards and putting the lives of many at risk.

Collage of a building collapsing in Eastleigh on December 2, 2023. /PHOTO

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