Youths grabbed metal from a moving county lorry as rescuers continued searching for people beneath the collapsed building.
An Eastleigh scrap metal scramble erupted on Wednesday, October 28, as youths raided Nairobi County trucks carrying material from a collapsed building.
Video footage showed youths grabbing pieces of metal from a moving lorry carrying a large load. Meanwhile, rescue teams continued searching the rubble as families waited for news of missing relatives.
The scramble drew attention to the handling of recovered materials while emergency operations continued at the site.
Scrap collectors sell metal to dealers by weight for recycling into manufacturing and construction materials. Earnings depend on the type and quantity collected. Copper, brass and aluminium generally command higher prices than iron and steel.
Eastleigh scrap metal scramble amid rescue efforts
A day earlier, on Tuesday, October 27, rescue teams detected two people believed to be alive beneath the rubble. They used specialised equipment operated by Chinese experts, raising hopes of reaching survivors.
However, concerns about structural safety and the need to remove debris carefully have complicated the rescue effort.
On Friday, October 23, teams temporarily halted debris removal after trapped people reportedly warned that the work was affecting their oxygen supply.
The collapse also drew large crowds to the area. Police dispersed onlookers and cleared access routes so emergency responders could reach the site.
By Wednesday, October 28, rescuers were still working to reach the two people believed to be alive beneath the debris.
