At least four people are feared dead after an old septic tank collapsed beneath a video café in the Bamburi Mwisho area of Kadzandani ward, Nyali sub-county, on Sunday evening.
The tragic incident occurred around 5:30pm as football fans gathered at the makeshift café—constructed from iron sheets—to watch an English Premier League match.
Eyewitnesses said the video café had initially been full as eager fans awaited the 4pm kickoff. However, when electricity went off and it was discovered that the café owner had not renewed the month’s subscription, most patrons left. Only about four individuals remained behind, waiting in hope.
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Minutes later, the ground beneath them gave way.
“I Heard Screams and Commotion”
Athman Salim, a resident living nearby, recounted the horror.
“I was in the house when I heard a loud commotion and saw children running inside. Then came another round of screams. When I looked outside, I saw a gaping hole in front of the video café,” he said.
According to Salim, part of the café wall where the TV screen was mounted had also collapsed. Two of the victims were reportedly seated at the front row, while two others were lying on a bench inside the café when disaster struck.
Rescue Efforts Hampered
The Mombasa County fire and rescue team arrived roughly 30 minutes later, but the operation proved challenging. The ground around the tank continued to sink, widening the crater and making the rescue mission more dangerous.
Mombasa County Commissioner Mohammed Noor, who visited the scene, confirmed the building had been erected on top of a septic tank believed to be over 40 years old.
“A full assessment is ongoing to determine the safest and most effective way to carry out the operation,” Noor said.
A nearby water tank also sank in the collapse, highlighting the structural risks in the area.
Grief and Frustration in the Community
Nuru Sadat, an aunt to one of the missing persons, said her nephew had gone to watch football when the floor caved in.
“I just hope the county is successful in retrieving his body. We are devastated,” she said.
Kadzandani MCA Fatma Kushe condoled with the bereaved families and urged the county government to expedite recovery efforts.
“We ask for full cooperation from residents so the retrieval can proceed safely. Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un,” Kushe stated.
By 8:30pm, more ground in the area continued to cave in as anxious residents gathered at the scene, prompting police to struggle to maintain order.
Chief Fire Officer Ibrahim Basafar later arrived at the site to lead discussions on the next steps. The area remains inaccessible to vehicles, and officials are considering demolishing nearby structures to create space for heavy machinery.
One of the missing persons is reported to be a brother to a sitting Member of County Assembly (MCA) in Mombasa.
The rescue operation is expected to continue through the night as authorities race against time in the delicate mission.