A devastating explosion in Nairobi’s Embakasi neighborhood sparks a massive blaze, claiming three lives, injuring 271, and destroying homes and businesses. Firefighters manage to control the fire after a nine-hour struggle.
In a tragic incident that unfolded in the heart of Nairobi’s Embakasi neighborhood, an explosive blaze erupted, claiming three lives, injuring 271 individuals, and wreaking havoc on residential and commercial properties. The catastrophic event unfolded just before midnight on Thursday night, sending shockwaves through the community.
Government spokesman Isaac Maigua Mwaura reported that the explosion ignited a “huge ball of fire” that swiftly spread, causing extensive damage to numerous vehicles, small and medium-sized businesses, and residential houses. The intensity of the inferno led to several residents being caught inside their homes, further exacerbating the gravity of the situation.
Firefighters, in a valiant effort, battled the blaze for over nine hours, ultimately gaining control by around 9:00 am (0600 GMT). Images captured by local media depicted a colossal fireball near homes, with the aftermath revealing charred vehicles and the remnants of burned structures.
Deputy Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, disclosed that at least three people lost their lives in the tragedy, while 271 others were admitted to various hospitals in Nairobi. The affected area, southeast of the capital, witnessed a scene reminiscent of an earthquake, as recounted by witnesses who felt their buildings shake from the force of the explosion.
Residents in the vicinity, forced out of their homes by the disaster, spent the night outdoors, surrounded by large columns of black smoke billowing from the scene. The fire’s destructive path resulted in the loss of homes, businesses, and personal belongings.
James Ngoge, a resident near the outbreak, shared his experience, stating, “We were in the house and heard a huge explosion. The whole building was shaken by a huge tremor, it felt like it was going to collapse. At first, we didn’t even know what was happening; it was like an earthquake. I have a business on the road that was completely destroyed.”
The tragedy evokes memories of a similar incident in 2018 when a fire engulfed Nairobi’s Gikomba market, claiming 15 lives and injuring over 70. The recent explosion serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of densely populated urban areas and the urgent need for robust safety measures to prevent such devastating events in the future.
As rescue operations and intervention efforts continue, the affected community grapples with the aftermath of a nightmarish event that has left lives shattered and a neighborhood scarred by the ravages of fire.
