A devastating gas explosion in Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya, has resulted in the loss of three lives and left nearly 300 people injured. The incident occurred in the Embakasi district late in the evening, causing significant damage to residential buildings, businesses, and vehicles. Shocking video footage captured the massive fireball that engulfed the area, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.
The cause of the explosion is currently under investigation, with initial reports suggesting that a gas plant was involved. However, authorities later clarified that it was a lorry carrying gas that had exploded in the parking yard of the plant. Despite the fire being contained, the death toll is expected to rise, according to Embakasi police chief Wesley Kimeto. Among the victims was a child, highlighting the tragic toll this incident has taken on innocent lives.
The Kenya Red Cross has been actively involved in providing assistance to those affected by the blast. They have transported 271 individuals to hospitals for treatment, while 27 others received on-site medical attention and were subsequently allowed to return home. Vanant Ndhingila, the head of disaster operations at the Kenya Red Cross, emphasized the ongoing search and rescue efforts to locate any missing individuals or those who may have sought shelter elsewhere. The situation remains critical as authorities continue to comb through various houses to determine if any bodies have been burnt.
Disturbing eyewitness accounts describe the chaos and panic that ensued following the explosion. Witnesses reported seeing gas cylinders and even a shipping container being propelled into the air due to the force of the blast. Jackline Karimi, who suffered burns on her hand, arm, and leg, recounted her harrowing experience of witnessing a woman on fire but being unable to help due to the chaos. Another woman shared her anguish as she desperately tried to locate her pregnant friend and her child, only to find their home completely destroyed.
Many of those injured in the blast have suffered from inhalation injuries, including 25 children, according to the Standard newspaper. Boniface Sifuna, a survivor, recounted his close encounter with an exploding gas canister that knocked him down and engulfed him in flames. Miraculously, he managed to escape the inferno. James Ngoge, a resident living near the blast site, described the terrifying experience as feeling like an earthquake, with his business being completely destroyed.
The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) released a statement revealing that the gas plant involved in the explosion was operating illegally. The EPRA had previously rejected three applications for construction permits to build a storage and filling facility at the site. This revelation raises concerns about the lack of proper safety measures and oversight in the gas industry, potentially exposing innocent lives to unnecessary risks.
As rescue operations continue, the government has established a command center to coordinate efforts and secure the blast scene. Kenyans are urged to stay away from the cordoned-off area to allow for uninterrupted rescue operations. The full extent of the damage caused by this tragic incident is yet to be determined, but it serves as a stark reminder of the importance of stringent safety regulations and proper enforcement to prevent such disasters from occurring in the future.
In conclusion, the gas explosion in Nairobi has left a trail of devastation, claiming lives and causing significant injuries. The incident has shed light on the illegal operations within the gas industry and the need for stricter safety measures. As the affected community grapples with the aftermath of this tragedy, it is crucial for authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and take appropriate action to prevent similar incidents in the future.