Late Thursday night, February 1 in Nairobi, Kenya, a truck loaded with gas exploded, igniting a firestorm that devastated homes and warehouses, resulting in significant casualties.
The incident occurred in the Mradi section of Embakasi, a densely populated neighborhood, around 11:30 p.m., leaving at least three people dead and more than 270 injured. Officials warn that the death toll may climb as recovery efforts continue.
Isaac Mwaura, a government spokesperson, provided a detailed account of the calamity. He reported that the explosion produced a massive fireball, propelling a gas cylinder into the air, which subsequently ignited a blaze that razed the Oriental Godown. The warehouse, known for its garment and textile storage, was among the first to be consumed by the fire. The damage quickly spread, damaging several other vehicles and commercial properties nearby.
Dawn revealed the extensive damage: buildings and storefronts were reduced to ashes and the vehicle that presumably caused the explosion was found overturned.
A residential building, located about 200 yards from the blast site, had its roof damaged by another airborne gas cylinder, highlighting the explosion’s extensive reach. The area was left with downed electric wires, and the hollowed remains of trucks, a stark testament to the fire’s intensity.
Eyewitnesses like Alfred Juma described how he attempted to evacuate his neighbors after hearing a loud noise from a nearby warehouse. His account included a critical moment when a driver, ignoring warnings, attempted to pass through the smoky area, only to have his vehicle stall and, upon trying to restart it, trigger another explosion.
The local community’s ordeal didn’t end with the fire. Caroline Karanja, a resident, recounted her struggle to access her home due to police barriers, emphasizing the lingering smoke and smell that made the area uninhabitable for her young family.
Authorities, including the Kenya Red Cross and local police, confirmed three fatalities. Wesley Kimeto, the police chief of Embakasi, hinted that the death count might rise as investigations press on. The Kenya Red Cross reported that 271 people were hospitalized due to injuries sustained in the incident.
The incident has sparked debate over the enforcement of urban planning and building codes, with allegations of corruption among county officials who are accused of ignoring safety regulations for bribes. This tragedy has brought to light the dangerous proximity of industrial operations to residential zones.
Further complicating the matter, it was revealed that the gas plant involved was operating without the necessary safety permits, pointing to a failure in regulatory oversight.
Ongoing rescue operations aim to locate survivors, while the Kenya Red Cross has been pivotal in providing aid and coordinating relief efforts.
Investigations are underway to determine the explosion’s exact cause, with authorities keen on identifying any breaches in safety protocols or regulations that may have contributed to the disaster’s magnitude.
