- The Kenya Red Cross has said the injured are receiving treatment at various hospitals.
- The scene of the tragedy has been secured and a command centre is already in place to help coordinate rescue operations and other intervention efforts.
Image: EZEKIEL AMING'A
What happened
A huge gas explosion was experienced in the Embakasi area, Nairobi.
Government Spokesman Isaac Mwaura said a lorry carrying gas cylinders exploded at Mradi Area around 11:30 pm on Thursday.
"Yesterday (Thursday) at around 11:30 pm, there was a huge explosion at Mradi area, in Embakasi, Nairobi County. One Lorry loaded with gas exploded, igniting a huge ball of fire that spread widely," he said
Mwaura further revealed that a flying gas cylinder hit the Oriental Godown nearby, burning it down. The godown deals in garments and textiles.
Damages
The inferno further damaged several vehicles and commercial properties, including many small and medium-sized businesses. The fire even spread to residential houses.
A flying gas cylinder hit the Oriental Godown nearby, burning it down. The godown deals in garments and textiles.
Injuries and deaths
Three people died while more than 270 people were injured.
The Kenya Red Cross has said the injured are receiving treatment at various hospitals.
Some 21 victims are at the Kenyatta National Hospital, 160 at Mama Lucy General Hospital, 19 at Mbagathi Hospital, 14 at the Modern Komarock Hospital, and eight at Nairobi West Hospital.
Blood donation appeal
Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris appealed to Kenyans of goodwill to come out and donate blood and save the lives of the blast survivors.
Passaris through her X handle called on Kenyans wishing to donate blood to do so at various facilities where the survivors had been rushed for emergency care.
"Urgent Appeal: Blood needed for Embakasi Village fire survivors. More than 300 factory workers and residents were affected," Passaris said.
Waives of medical fees
Nairobi county government has waived all medical fees for the victims of the Embakasi fire incident.
"The County Government has also waived all medical fees at the County facilities attending to the injured and bereaved," Governor Johnson Sakaja said on Friday.
The county boss also stated that his officers are also mobilising relief items in conjunction with other agencies to ensure the comfort of all those affected.
The scene of the tragedy has been secured and a command centre is already in place to help coordinate rescue operations and other intervention efforts.
Witnesses said there were huge fireballs with people screaming and running everywhere as nearby residential houses caught fire.
The proximity of the industrial company to residences has raised questions about the enforcement of city plans.
The cause of the blast is still being established.