Government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura has confirmed an explosion and a fire outbreak near the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Embakasi, Nairobi at around 11 pm on Thursday night.
Mwaura, in a communique shared on his social media pages on Friday morning, February 2, stated that the fire broke out at a gas filling company near Kabansora along Airport North Road.
However, he stated that the cause of the fire remains unknown. Reports indicated that over 165 people were injured and two died in the explosion.
"The company was refilling gas cylinders when the fire broke out and several people were injured and rushed to hospital," Mwaura stated and added that the explosion emanated from a lorry that was loaded with gas cylinders.
Mwaura added that the explosion ignited a huge ball of fire that spread widely into residential areas within the vicinity.
"A flying gas cylinder hit Oriental Godown, burning down the said godown which deals with garments & textiles. Consequently, the inferno further damaged several vehicles and commercial properties, including many small and medium-sized businesses.
"Sadly, residential houses in the neighbourhood also caught fire, with a good number of residents still inside as it was late at night."
Nairobi Police boss Adamson Bungei also confirmed that the explosion occurred at a gas filling point.
Emergency service providers who rushed to the scene rushed the injured persons and burn victims to Kenyatta National Hospital, Mama Lucy Hospital, and Komarock Medical Centre for treatment.
Photos of eyewitnesses who rushed to the scene to rescue the victims indicated burns on their bodies.
Deaths and Injuries
Embakasi OCPD Wesley Kimeto confirmed that an adult and a minor, who were critically injured, passed away at around 4:30 am.
Out of the 167 injured victims, 142 were said to be adults and 25 were children who were all treated at Mama Lucy Hospital. 7 others who were critically injured were referred to KNH and Kenyatta University Hospital.
The majority of the patients were treated and released but urged to observe their progress and report any health concerns.
"The concerted actions of various response units have resulted in the successful evacuation of 271 individuals to different health facilities in Nairobi.
"E-Plus Ambulances Kenya in coordination with the Kenya Red Cross action team, promptly attended to an extra 27 individuals on-site," Kenya Red Cross stated.
