Gas Explosion in Nairobi kills three, injures nearly 300

GOOBJOOG NEWS | NAIROBI: A gas explosion in Kenyan capital, Nairobi has killed at least three people and injured close to 300, a government spokesperson has said.

The official said the explosion occurred when a lorry carrying gas exploded in Embakasi, at the outskirts of the capital, igniting a huge ball of fire.

Residential houses, business premises and cars were destroyed in the inferno as government officials cordoned off the area and launched an investigation to ascertain the cause of the incident.  

Initially, the government has said the blast happened at a gas plant where workers were refilling gas cylinders, but later clarified that a truck had exploded in its parking yard.

Embakasi police Chief Wesley Kimeto said a child was among those who died, adding that the death toll could rise.

Some 271 people were taken to hospital, according to the authorities – including at least 25 children.

Nairobi’s Mayor Sakaja Johnson said many of these people had been treated and sent home, but at least 39 have been sent to other facilities with serious or critical injuries.