Deadly Demolition: Billboard Collapse Claims Life of Worker at Chinese Construction Site
A routine demolition exercise at a Chinese construction site near Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) turned tragic after a construction worker died from injuries sustained when a billboard collapsed on him and a colleague.
The fatal incident occurred on Sunday morning at approximately 9:40am within the CALE Chinese Construction site situated along the border of JKIA and the neighbouring Katani area, according to a police report filed at JKIA Police Station.
Police said two casual labourers, identified as Meshack Mulatia and Daniel Kyalo, were engaged in demolition works on a warehouse structure when a billboard unexpectedly gave way and crashed onto them.
The force of the collapse left both men seriously injured, prompting an emergency response from colleagues and site personnel who rushed them to Shalom Hospital in Athi River for treatment.
While Kyalo received medical attention and was discharged later the same day, Mulatia suffered severe injuries and remained hospitalized in critical condition as doctors battled to save his life.
Despite efforts by medical personnel, Mulatia succumbed to his injuries on June 8 at around 6:00pm, transforming what had initially been reported as a workplace accident into a fatal occupational tragedy.
The death has renewed concerns over safety standards at construction and demolition sites, particularly on major infrastructure projects where workers are often exposed to hazardous conditions involving heavy machinery, unstable structures and falling objects.
According to the police report, the deceased’s family later engaged the management of the construction company in discussions regarding the circumstances surrounding the accident and the aftermath of the worker’s death.
Authorities indicated that following those discussions, the family transferred Mulatia’s body from Shalom Mortuary to an undisclosed location.
The incident was formally reported by Corporal Ramadhani Machio and Administration Police Constable Martin Kimathi, both attached to the Critical Infrastructure Protection Unit (CIPU) Athi River under the Expressway Section One command.
Investigators have since launched inquiries aimed at establishing the exact sequence of events that led to the collapse of the billboard during the demolition exercise.
Although preliminary findings indicate the workers were carrying out demolition duties at the time of the accident, police are expected to examine whether safety protocols were adequately observed and whether the site met the required occupational health and safety standards.
The accident adds to a growing list of workplace incidents reported within Kenya’s construction sector, where labour rights advocates have repeatedly called for stricter enforcement of safety regulations to protect workers from preventable injuries and deaths.
Construction remains one of the country’s most dangerous industries, with workers frequently exposed to risks associated with collapsing structures, falls from height, electrocution and equipment failures.
The death of Mulatia has left family members, colleagues and friends mourning the loss of a worker who left for duty expecting an ordinary day’s work but never returned home.
Police said investigations remain ongoing and a comprehensive progress report will be issued once officers complete their inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the fatal accident.
The findings of the investigation are expected to determine whether any lapses occurred during the demolition exercise and whether further action will be taken against those found responsible for the incident.
