Tragedy struck in Mombasa on Sunday, April 20, 2025, when a makeshift video hall where football fans had gathered to watch a match collapsed into a septic tank.
The incident, which occurred at around 6:30 pm in Bamburi Mwisho, Mombasa County, has left authorities fearing at least two people dead and possibly more trapped in the debris.
According to Mombasa County Commissioner Mohammed Noor, preliminary reports suggest that the improvised structure had been built directly above a septic tank that gave way during the gathering.
“The video hall for watching football was constructed on top of a septic tank. Unfortunately, the septic tank caved in and collapsed. It’s reported that between two to four people are trapped inside,” Noor said while addressing the media at the scene.
The County Commissioner confirmed that emergency response efforts are underway, with the County disaster team already mobilised.
“We have spoken with the County disaster team, which I chair alongside Governor Abdulswamad. We are arranging for equipment that can rescue these people so we can determine exactly how many individuals are trapped inside,” he added.
Nuru Sadati, a relative of one of the victims, described the chaotic scene when the structure collapsed.
“They were in the middle of watching football when the ground caved in, and they fell inside. They haven’t been found yet. It seems there was a pit underneath because the television set has also fallen in, and a water tank has sunk,” Sadati explained.
Kadzandani MCA Fatma Kushe condemned the illegal construction of such structures, noting the lack of official approval.
“It is deeply unfortunate when any structure is built without proper documentation or safety oversight,” Kushe stated.
Similar incident
This incident is the latest in a series of tragedies involving poorly constructed or illegal buildings over septic tanks.
Less than a month ago, two Form Four students died at Ramba Boys High School in Siaya County after a septic tank collapsed beneath them, with two others injured in the March 22, 2025, tragedy.
Students had reportedly raised concerns about the deteriorating state of the tank, even placing complaint letters in the school’s suggestion box, with no action being taken.
The deceased students, Ryan Otieno and David Awinda, both aged 17, died when the tank’s concrete slab caved in.
Reacting to the incident, Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo expressed outrage.
PHOTO/https://web.facebook.com/eddubosire
“Another tragedy! Saddened to learn two young boys at Ramba Boys High School have lost their lives after a septic tank collapsed! May their young souls know peace, even as we continue investigating the circumstances,” Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo stated on Saturday, March 22, 2025.
