In Nairobi, Kenya, a devastating incident unfolded as an unlicensed cooking gas filling plant experienced a gas explosion, resulting in at least three fatalities and 280 injuries. The tragic event occurred when a gas-laden truck exploded in the Embakasi district, igniting a massive fire that caused extensive damage to residential buildings, businesses, and vehicles.
The aftermath of the explosion was captured in distressing videos shared on social media, revealing the magnitude of the fireball. Government spokesperson Isaac Maigua Mwaura conveyed the somber news, confirming the loss of three lives, while the injured were promptly transported to various hospitals for urgent medical attention. One survivor, Edwin Machio, recounted his desperate escape, describing how the flames from the explosion caught up with him over a significant distance, resulting in burns to his neck.
Emergency response efforts were swiftly initiated, with the Kenya Red Cross evacuating 271 individuals to hospitals in Nairobi and actively engaging in firefighting operations alongside other agencies. A command center has been established at the scene to coordinate rescue operations and interventions. Mwaura underscored the importance of keeping the cordoned area clear to facilitate the ongoing rescue mission with minimal disruptions.
Kenya’s Energy and Petroleum Regulation Authority (EPRA) revealed that the explosion took place at an unlicensed cooking gas filling plant. The authority disclosed that permit applications for a Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) storage and filling plant at the site were rejected in 2023 due to safety concerns and failure to meet specified criteria for the area, considering the high population density surrounding the proposed location.
