Many were feared trapped in a multi-storey tower that collapsed in Nairobi’s Eastleigh, Kenya, on Friday.
The building was reportedly under construction when it collapsed, trapping some workers in the rubble.
A viral video on social media captured the moment the building collapsed, throwing its surroundings into dust and rubble.
Rescue operations have been complicated by police firing tear gas to disperse looters.
A construction worker, Joseph Kaula, said he was the last person to leave the building before it collapsed and suspected some of his colleagues were trapped in the basement, the Associated Press reported.
“I was the last person to walk out before it collapsed and the whole area was filled with dust,” Mr Kaula said.
Police chief Issa Mohamed said the building had more than 10 upper floors under construction.
He said an injured woman was rescued and taken to hospital, while another person who had been crying for help had gone silent.
Mr Mohamed also warned of a possible secondary collapse, saying the collapsed building was leaning against a neighbouring structure.
“Investigations will be carried out. We’ll make sure people face the law for any negligence,” Mr Mohamud said.
