Families of two missing victims trapped under rubble after a sewerage system collapsed in Bamburi Mwisho, Mombasa, will have to wait longer for closure as recovery operations face delays.

The Mombasa County Government has confirmed that specialised equipment is needed to safely proceed with the rescue effort, which has been hampered by the depth and danger of the collapsed structure.

Speaking during a progress update, Chief Officer for Disaster Management Ibrahim Basafar said large debris at the scene has complicated efforts.

“When we began, we encountered huge debris and stones that fell into the site. We now need specialised machinery to assist with the recovery,” Basafar explained.

He emphasized the importance of safety for the rescue teams, noting that continuing operations without proper protective gear—especially breathing apparatus—would endanger the responders.

“Our officers are skilled, but we cannot risk their lives. We’re sourcing breathing gear and additional PPE to ensure safe entry,” he added.

Tragedy During Football Screening

The collapse happened on Sunday evening, when a crowd had gathered to watch a football match at a local venue built over a septic tank. The tank gave way, sending the structure above crashing down and trapping several people.

So far, four people have died, and two more remain missing.

The venue, described as an informal hall for screening football and movies, was constructed directly over the septic tank, which caved in during the event. The full number of people trapped is still unknown.

A Risky Recovery Operation

Experts say the operation is unusually complex. Rescuers plan to use a shovel attached to a live-line forklift, functioning like a bucket to lower them into the over 100-foot-deep sewer.

Additional measures include:

• Underground lighting to combat near-total darkness

• Culverts lowered as body shields to protect rescuers from falling debris

• A process estimated to take at least six hours

Once recovery efforts conclude, the case will be handed over to the National Police Service for a formal investigation.