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Residents in the vicinity were startled by the loud blasts that echoed through the area, prompting widespread concern and fear.
Reports reaching the news desk indicate that the explosions occurred after a gas leak, leading to a massive fire that quickly engulfed the surrounding area.
A few residents managed to capture the terrifying scene on camera, with footage showing towering flames and thick plumes of smoke rising into the sky, casting an ominous shadow over the nearby apartments.
The cause of the explosions is yet to be determined, and the extent of the damage is currently unknown.
Emergency teams, including firefighters and medical personnel, have been swiftly dispatched to the scene to contain the blaze and provide assistance to those affected.
Statement from government spokesperson
Government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura issued the statement below.
"There has been a fire outbreak at Kentainers Company ltd near Kabansora in Embakasi, Nairobi. The company was refilling gas cylinders when fire broke out and several people injured and rushed to hospital.
"The building hosting the company is badly damaged. The cause of the fire remains unknown. Members of the public are advised to avoid the area as rescue operations are underway including fire engines being deployed to the area."
Further to the earlier communication, the government confirmed that one lorry of an unknown registration number which was loaded with gas exploded, igniting a huge ball of fire that spread widely.
A flying gas cylinder hit Oriental Godown, burning down the said godown which deals with garments & textiles.
Consequently, the inferno further damaged several vehicles and commercial properties, including many small and medium sized businesses.
Sadly, residential houses in the neighborhood also caught fire, with a good number of residents still inside as it was late at night.
As a result, two Kenyans regrettably lost their lives while being attended to at the Nairobi West Hospital.
Mwaura sent sincere condolences to the families of the departed souls.
In addition, 222 other Kenyans were injured by the fire, and were rushed to various hospitals as follows:
- 21 at the Kenyatta National Hospital
- 160 at Mama Lucy General Hospital
- 19 at Mbagathi Hospital
- 14 at Modern Komarock Hospital
- 8 at Nairobi West Hospital
The scene has now been secured and a command center is now in place to help coordinate rescue operations and other intervention efforts.
Kenyans are hereby advised to keep off the cordoned area in order to allow the rescue mission to be carried out minimal disruptions.
The government thanked all the institutions such as the National Police, Nairobi County Government, the Kenya Red Cross, St. John’s Ambulance and Kenyans of goodwill for their quick response.
Finally, the government is also in the process of assisting the victims of the fire incident and also to help restore normalcy in the affected area.
Nairobi County waivers all medical fees for affected Kenyans
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has condoled with the families affected by the huge fire that erupted in Embakasi on Thursday night.
In a statement, Governor Sakaja said that the county government would waive all medical fees for those injured by the fire.
"The Nairobi City County Government stands in prayer with our sisters and brothers in Embakasi Sub County who last night were gravely affected by a devastating fire incident. We pray for the quick recovery of those who were injured and may the Almighty rest in peace the souls of those who lost their lives in this unfortunate incident.
"Following this regrettable incident, all county government emergency response teams are currently on site and on high alert to provide the necessary support. Currently, all County Health and Medical teams are also managing the situation and also working hand in hand with the County Disaster and Risk management teams who continue to provide the necessary support to the victims of the fire incident," the statement read.
Nairobi Woman Rep Esther Passaris has cut short her Parliamentary engagements to visit and help affected families.
Gov't announces free rent & cash transfers for affected families
Government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura has announced the the National Government and Kenya Red Cross will join forces to provide rent and cash transfers to families affected by the fire.
He said that administration officers will map out those who houses were destroyed by the fire.
The Nairobi County Government will aide in the distribution of food and non-food items.