A huge explosion shook the Embakasi estate in Nairobi on Thursday night, resulting in the death of two people and over two hundred and twenty-two more sustaining injuries and requiring treatment.
The two died while undergoing treatment at a Nairobi hospital.
The alarming midnight blast, captured on video by local residents, happened at Kentainers Company near Kabansora in Embakasi, Nairobi.
Isaac Mwaura, the Government Spokesman, confirmed the incident and revealed that the explosion occurred while workers were in the process of refilling gas cylinders at the Kentainers Company.
“The company was refilling gas cylinders when the fire broke out, and several people were injured and rushed to the hospital. The building hosting the company is badly damaged. The cause of the fire remains unknown,” Mwaura stated.
“Members of the public are advised to avoid the area as rescue operations are underway including fire engines being deployed to the area,” Mwaura added.
According to local media reports, preliminary data shows that at least 165 people were injured in the blast.
At the time of going to press, rescue operations were still ongoing with the government deploying fire engines and emergency response teams.
Witnesses recounted feeling tremors immediately following the explosion.
