A footbridge under construction near the Nyayo National Stadium has collapsed, forcing motorists to be diverted to other routes.
The bridge collapsed on Saturday, February 12, after it veered off the trajectory and fell on the cranes at the site.
The collapse forced Lang'ata Road to be temporarily closed with motorists headed to Nairobi’s Central Business District from Ongata Rongai, Karen, and Lang’ata estates being diverted to Bunyala Road.
Those leaving Nairobi CBD were forced to use other routes including Jogoo and Lusaka Roads.
The cause of the accident was not immediately established with reports indicating that one person was injured during the incident.
“Yes, a driver was injured after the footbridge under construction near Nyayo Stadium Roundabout collapsed on three cranes forcing the closure of Langata Road,” Nairobi Traffic police boss Joshua Omukata told Capital FM.
“The footbridge was being raised when it collapsed on the cranes on site.”
The police boss advised motorists to exercise caution while on that route to avoid causing more traffic snarl up.
Initially, Kenya National Highway Authority (KeNHA) had issued a traffic advisory to motorists using the route.
The roads authority, through a public notice, had announced the closure of the route for hours on Saturday to allow the erection of the footbridge.
To address the traffic snarl-up during the closure, the highways authority advised motorists to use alternative routes.
"KeNHA advises motorists to follow the proposed traffic management plan and cooperate with the police and traffic marshals on site," KeNHA stated.
"Motorists are further urged to exercise caution and road courtesy for better management of traffic."
