A huge gas explosion in Nairobi, the Kenyan capital, has killed at least three people and wounded almost 300 pens.
According to a report by a government spokesperson, a lorry conveying gas blew up in Embakasi district around 11:30 pm (8:30 pm GMT), “igniting a huge ball of fire.”
Residential buildings, businesses and cars were wrecked, and a video making rounds have revealed a huge blaze roaring close to blocks of flats.
Previously, the government had said that the blast occurred at a gas plant. The cause of the explosion is however, still being established.
Embakasi police chief, Wesley Kimeto had revealed that a child was part of those who died in the explosion, and had added that the death toll could rise further.
The Kenya Red Cross announced that it had taken 271 people to hospital and treated 27 others on site.
Witnesses informed local media that they had felt tremors immediately after the blast.
The Standard newspaper had reported that several injured persons are suffering from inhalation injuries. Those injured include at least 25 children.
A news reporter for the Nation newspaper residing in the area had revealed that everyone had left their houses after the explosion.
The government spokesman, Mwaura has announced that the scene of the explosion was now secure and that a command centre had been instituted to help organise rescue operations.
Additionally, Kenyans were advised to keep off the cordoned area in order to give way for the rescue mission to be carried out [with] little disruptions.
