Morning after explosion: Trail of destruction, despair dominates Embakasi

At the scene of the Thursday night explosion in Nairobi's Embakasi area is a palette of despair complete with injured souls.

The once serene neighbourhood and a bustling hub of the industry now stand as a charred skeleton against the morning sky.

The area wears the sombre hues of ash and ruin, with businessmen and residents confused about what to do next.

As we arrive at the area, curious onlookers are at bay as security officers take charge."Na nyinyi ni akina nani...mnaenda wapi," one of the police officers cordoning an entry route to the area shouts before letting us in.

Vehicles lie twisted and mangled, scattered like forgotten scrap metals.

Some neighbouring residential buildings, once painted with the warmth of home, now dance with the menacing smoke that continues to billow.

Inside what has been a gas refilling plant are debris of tankers leaving a stark testament to the destructive force unleashed in the 11 pm incident.

No leader had arrived at the scene and only uniformed police officers alongside those from the DCI were seen combing the area piecing together information.

No details have been provided yet on the whereabouts of the owners.

Alfred Juma, one of the traders who narrowly escaped the tragedy vividly recounts it.

His words are heavy with emotions as he tries to navigate the pain of losing his property.

"I was in the house when I was woken up by my friend who alerted me about it. While outside I could hear the roaring sound that means the gas was leaking," he said.

"So, what I did was to go around waking up the neighbours informing them we should move out because there is danger," he said.

He said after a few minutes there was a loud explosion that forced everyone to scamper for safety.

One of those that perished is the driver of the car that exploded some meters away from the entrance to the plant after its engine failed while attempting to drive off, eyewitnesses say."

"Nikiwa hapa kwa barabara kukatokea mlipuko wa pili na hiyo ndiyo ilinichoma...kukimbia hivi nikaona watoto wawili kwa barabara nikaamua kuwaokoa so nikaingia nao kwa mtaro," Juma narrated.

An official statement from the government states that the explosion was a result of gas which ignited a huge ball of fire that spread widely.

A flying gas cylinder is also said to have hit the Oriental Godown nearby, burning it down.

Another resident who identified himself as Caleb alleged that the driver of a tanker that exploded had forewarned the security guards at the gas plant about the leak but no measures were taken.

Samuel Mutua said he had an explosion thrice followed by a huge fire.

“I was informed by my wife and started evacuating the children," he said.