The death toll has since risen to 40 while 140 survivors have been rescued/AFP
NAIROBI, Kenya, May 6 – It has now emerged that one of the survivors rescued on Thursday from the collapsed building in Huruma died because of lack of life-saving equipment in an ambulance.
Designated Incident Commander Pius Masai says the ambulance used to ferry the survivor lacked an oxygen cylinder and masks.
“That’s lack of professionalism… we’re very disappointed, ” a visibly angry Masai told journalists on Friday.
“How can we rescue a person only to lose life because of lack of oxygen facilities?” he posed.
He is now appealing for provision of fully equipped ambulances by capable institutions.
Following the recovery of a cockerel on Friday morning, he believes more survivors will be rescued alive. “It means more people can still be rescued.”
Four people were successfully rescued on Thursday after spending six days trapped in the rubble.
The death toll has since risen to 40 while 140 survivors have been rescued.
“We’re through with 60 percent of the operation,” Masai assured.
Masai has also warned people masquerading as victims, saying they will be arrested.
Several people, who had already received funds from the Kenya Red Cross, were arrested on Thursday.
Meanwhile, the government is set to kick off a demolition exercise in Huruma, targeting hazardous buildings.
A similar exercise will take place in the entire city next week.
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