NAIROBI, Kenya – A vehicle loaded with gas exploded and set off an inferno that burned homes and warehouses in Kenya’s capital, Nairobi, early Friday, killing at least three people and injuring more than 270. The death toll is expected to rise as the situation becomes clearer.
The explosion occurred in the Embakasi neighborhood, where many residents were likely inside their homes when the fire reached their houses late in the night. The truck explosion ignited a huge fireball, and a flying gas cylinder set off a fire that burned down the Oriental Godown, a warehouse that handles garments and textiles. Several other vehicles and businesses were damaged by the inferno, which started around 11:30 p.m. on Thursday.
The proximity of the industrial company to residences raised questions about enforcement of city plans. Officials at the county government have been accused of taking bribes to overlook building codes and regulations.
At the scene after daybreak, several houses and shops were burned out. The shell of the vehicle believed to have started the explosion was lying on its side. The roof of a four-story residential building about 200 yards from the scene of the explosion had been broken by a flying gas cylinder. Electric wires lay on the ground, and nothing remained in the burned-out warehouse except the shells of several trucks.
Alfred Juma, an aspiring politician, said he had heard loud noise from a gas cylinder in a warehouse next to his house. “I started waking up neighbors, asking them to leave,” he said. He said he had warned a black car not to drive through the area, but the driver insisted and his vehicle stalled because of the fumes. He said that he also had grabbed two children and that they had hid in a sewage ditch until the explosions ended. His family was not present at the time, but Mr. Juma said he had lost everything he owned in the fire.
Caroline Karanja, a neighbor, said that the smell and smoke were still choking, and that she would have to stay away for a while, because she had young children. “Police were turning away everyone, and so it was difficult to access my house and I had to seek a place to sleep until this morning,” she said.
The police and the Kenya Red Cross reported three deaths, and Wesley Kimeto, the Embakasi police chief, said that the toll might rise as the situation becomes clearer.
The government and the Red Cross said that 271 people had been taken to several hospitals with injuries.
The fire spread quickly, engulfing nearby buildings and causing panic among the residents. Many people were trapped in their homes and had to be rescued by the fire department. The firefighters worked tirelessly to put out the fire, but the damage had already been done.
The cause of the explosion is still under investigation, but initial reports suggest that it may have been caused by a gas leak in the vehicle. The vehicle was loaded with gas cylinders, which added to the intensity of the fire.
The incident highlights the importance of proper storage and handling of hazardous materials, especially in densely populated areas. The proximity of the warehouse to residential buildings put many lives at risk, and the lack of enforcement of building codes and regulations is a major concern.
The government has promised to take action and investigate the matter thoroughly. The authorities have urged residents to stay away from the area as they continue to investigate the cause of the explosion and assess the damage.
The incident has left many families homeless and without their belongings. The government and various organizations have stepped up to provide aid and support to those affected. The Red Cross has set up a center to provide assistance to those in need.
The fire has also caused significant disruption to traffic and businesses in the area. The authorities are working to restore normalcy as soon as possible.
The incident is a tragic reminder of the importance of safety and the need for proper regulations to be in place. The authorities must take action to prevent such incidents from happening in the future and ensure the safety of the public.
The families of the victims are still coming to terms with their loss, and the community is rallying around them to provide support. The incident has brought the community together in a time of crisis, and the spirit of unity and resilience is evident in the response of the people.
The investigation into the cause of the explosion is ongoing, and the authorities are appealing for witnesses to come forward with any information that may help in the investigation. The public is also being urged to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.
In conclusion, the explosion in Nairobi has left a devastating impact on the community. The loss of life and property is a tragic reminder of the importance of safety and the need for proper regulations. The authorities must take action to prevent such incidents from happening in the future and ensure the safety of the public. The community has come together in a time of crisis, and the spirit of unity and resilience is evident in the response of the people.
