A gas explosion in a very populated neighborhood of the Kenyan capital caused a massive ball of fire, resulting in at least three fatalities and 280 injuries, according to officials on Friday.
A truck full of gas canisters burst just before midnight on Thursday in Embakasi, leaving a path of devastation and forcing people to flee for their lives. The incident prompted the government to promise that those involved would face consequences.
Because of the numerous gas storage in the area, alarmed locals claimed it was a disaster waiting to happen. A regional energy agency claimed the explosion site was being used illegally.
“The whole building was shaken by a huge tremor, it felt like it was going to collapse,” James Ngoge, who lives across the street from where the fire broke out, told AFP.
“At first, we didn’t even know what was happening, it was like an earthquake.”
Investigations are underway to determine the cause of the explosion, which was felt several kilometres (miles) away.
‘Unacceptable occurrence’
“As we call for caution and adherence to the rule of law, those culpable in this unacceptable occurrence will be held accountable,” Kenya’s Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua said in a statement on X.
Government spokesman Isaac Maigua Mwaura said three Kenyans died and 280 others were taken to hospital after the explosion ignited a “huge ball of fire that spread widely”.
The inferno damaged vehicles and many businesses, with a garment and textile factory burned to the ground.
“Sadly, residential houses in the neighborhood also caught fire, with a good number of residents still inside as it was late at night,” he added.
