At least three people have been killed and nearly 300 injured in a massive gas explosion in Nairobi, Kenya. The explosion occurred when a truck carrying gas exploded in the Embakasi district, causing a massive fireball.
The blast resulted in significant damage to homes, businesses, and vehicles, with video footage showing a raging blaze near residential buildings. Initially, authorities believed the explosion had occurred at a gas plant, but the exact cause is still under investigation.
The death toll may rise, according to the Embakasi police chief, who confirmed that a child was among the victims.
The Kenya Red Cross reported that 271 people were taken to the hospital, while 27 others received on-site treatment.
The government spokesperson, Isaac Mwaura Mwaura, stated that the fireball had spread widely, causing additional damage to a garments and textiles warehouse, as well as numerous vehicles and commercial properties.
Tragically, residential houses in the area also caught fire, with many residents still inside due to the late hour of the incident.
Witnesses described feeling tremors immediately after the blast, and many of the injured suffered from inhalation injuries, including 25 children. One survivor, Boniface Sifuna, recounted being burned by an exploding gas canister as he tried to escape, while James Ngoge, a nearby resident, likened the explosion to an earthquake and described the destruction of his business.
According to a journalist from the Nation newspaper residing in the vicinity, all residents evacuated their homes following the explosion.
The Kenya Red Cross took to social media to inform the public that their teams were tirelessly working to extinguish the fire.
Mr Mwaura, the government spokesperson, stated that the blast site had been secured and a command center had been established to efficiently coordinate the rescue efforts. He further advised Kenyans to stay away from the cordoned area to ensure minimal disruptions during the rescue mission.
