A gas-laden lorry exploded in the Embakasi area at around 23:30 (20:30 GMT), causing a massive fireball, according to a government spokesperson. Residences, businesses, and vehicles suffered damage, with video footage capturing a huge explosion near apartment complexes. The area has been sealed off, and an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the explosion.
A security guard at the site, has been arrested in connection with the incident. Embakasi Police Chief Wesley Kimeto mentioned that a child was among the casualties, and the death toll is expected to rise. Authorities stated that 271 individuals, including at least 25 children, were taken to hospitals, and Nairobi district Senator Sakaja Johnson noted that many have been treated and released, but 39 with serious injuries were sent to other facilities.
An additional 27 people were treated at the scene for non-life-threatening injuries. Initially, the government indicated that the explosion occurred at a gas plant during the refilling of gas cylinders, but later clarified that a truck had exploded in a parking yard. The explosion caused a fireball that extensively spread, leading to a gas cylinder hitting a clothing and materials warehouse, resulting in its destruction.
The fire has been contained, and a search and rescue operation is underway to determine if individuals are missing or have taken refuge elsewhere. Embakasi East MP Babu Owino mentioned ongoing efforts to ascertain if there are people trapped in burnt houses.
The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) stated that the gas plant was illegal, rejecting three construction license applications for a storage and filling facility at the site due to non-compliance with safety standards and the high population density in the vicinity. It remains unclear how the facility continued to operate.
Government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura, who visited the scene, emphasized that the company owners must compensate the victims and take full responsibility for the explosion. He criticized the endangerment of lives for profit, citing weak enforcement and corruption as contributing factors.
Approximately 10 trucks within the compound were completely burnt, with one vehicle landing on top of a nearby apartment building. Witnesses reported that the explosion propelled objects, including gas cylinders and a shipping container, into the air. Injuries were sustained by individuals, including Jackline Karimi, who described witnessing a woman on fire and another woman trying to locate her pregnant friend in a now-burned residence.
Boniface Sifuna, who was near the explosion, recounted being burnt by an exploding gas canister but managed to escape. James Ngoge, a resident in the vicinity, compared the impact to an earthquake, expressing shock over the destruction of his business.
The government spokesperson highlighted the establishment of a command center to coordinate rescue operations and urged the public to stay away from the cordoned area to facilitate uninterrupted rescue efforts.
