Two bodies retrieved from collapsed building in Nairobi

Rescue workers search for survivors of a multi-storey building collapse in the capital Nairobi, Jan 4, 2015. [Photo/Xinhua]

NAIROBI - Kenya's rescuers have retrieved two bodies from the rubble in a building, which collapsed late Sunday in a Nairobi residential estate.

Pius Masai with the Kenya National Disaster Operation Center told journalists on Monday that 40 people were rescued alive from the building in Huruma estate, a residential estate located in northeastern Nairobi, adding that several people are still trapped in the debris.

"So far we have lost two people, a lady and an infant, who have so far succumbed to injuries. We have rescued 40 people out of which 28 are hospitalized and 12 were treated on site for minor injuries," Masai said.

He said the rescue efforts will take time, as the officials coordinating the operation need more heavy equipment to save more lives.

"We want to save as many lives as possible. We need some heavy equipment to be able to carry out this rescue efforts effectively. The operation will take some time, but we appeal to the public to remain calm," Masai said.

Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS) said it has set up an information desk to help in the tracing and recovery for cases of missing families and loved ones.

Several people have volunteered at the site to dig in the rubble with their bare hands.