Gas explosion in Nairobi kills two and injures more than 220
A massive gas explosion in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, has resulted in the death of at least two people and injuries to at least 222 individuals.
The incident occurred in the Embakasi district around 23:30 (20:30 GMT) when a gas-carrying lorry exploded, creating a “huge ball of fire,” a government spokesperson has said.
The explosion caused damage to residences, businesses, and vehicles, with video footage capturing a significant blaze near residential buildings.
Initially, the government said that the blast occurred at a gas plant.
It’s still not clear what caused the explosion.
Wesley Kimeto, the Embakasi police chief, confirmed the deaths of an adult and a child in the explosion, cautioning that the death toll might increase.
The fireball from the blast had “spread widely”, according to Mwaura, and a flying gas cylinder had hit a garments and textiles warehouse, burning it down.
The blaze is also reported to have spread through several apartment complexes.
Witnesses reported feeling tremors immediately after the explosion. Many of the injured, including at least 25 children, are reported to have suffered inhalation injuries, according to the Standard newspaper.