2024-02-02 12:54:22
A huge gas explosion in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi, killed at least three people and injured nearly 300.
A truck carrying gas exploded in Embakasi district around 11:30 p.m. local time. “igniting a huge fireball”said a government spokesman.
When the truck exploded, it ignited a huge fireball. Photo: Reuters.
Homes, businesses and cars were damaged, and video shows a large fire near blocks of flats.
The area has been cordoned off and The causes of the explosion are being investigated.
The BBC understands that at least one person was arrested over the incident.
Homes, businesses and cars were damaged. Photo: Reuters
The government initially said the explosion occurred at a gas plant where workers were refilling gas cylinders, but later clarified that a truck had exploded in their parking lot.
It is reported that the fire that occurred as a result has now been contained.
Embakasi police chief Wesley Kimeto said the dead included a child, adding that the death toll could rise.
According to authorities, some 271 people were hospitalized, including at least 25 children.
Nairobi Mayor Sakaja Johnson said many of these people had been treated and sent home, but at least 39 had been sent to other facilities with serious or critical injuries.
A search and rescue operation
Another 27 people were treated at the scene for non-life-threatening injuries.
The devastation left by the explosion. Photo: EFE
Its head of disaster operations, Vanant Ndhingila, told the BBC’s Newsday program that a search and rescue operation. They are trying to find out if people are missing or have simply taken refuge elsewhere.
“A search is still underway to see if there are burnt bodies in several houses,” said Embakasi East MP Babu Owino.
The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) said in a statement that the gas plant was illegal and that it had rejected three applications for construction permits to build a storage and filling facility at the site.
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