On the night of March 23rd, a devastating gas explosion occurred in the Embakasi district of Nairobi, Kenya, killing at least three people and injuring nearly 300 others. The explosion happened at around 10:30 pm local time and is believed to have been caused by a lorry carrying gas that ignited a huge ball of fire.
Where did the Explosion occur?
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The explosion occurred in a densely populated area, with many residential houses, businesses, and cars in the vicinity. The blast is reported to have damaged several buildings, including a clothing and textiles warehouse, which was completely burned down. Many vehicles and commercial properties were also damaged, with several small and medium-sized businesses affected.
Witnesses described the scene as chaotic and terrifying, with the explosion sending objects, including gas cylinders and a shipping container, flying into the air. The blast was so powerful that it could be heard and felt from a distance, with many people in the surrounding area reporting that their houses shook and windows shattered.
One witness, Jackline Karimi, described how she ran out of her house and lay flat on the tarmac to avoid the flying debris. She suffered burns on her right hand and arm up to the shoulder and to her right leg. “I saw a woman on fire, but we couldn’t help her. Everyone was running,” Ms. Karimi said.
Rescue operations
The Kenya Red Cross reported that they had taken 271 people to hospital, with a further 27 people treated on site and allowed to go home. Many of those who were hurt are said to have inhalation injuries, with at least 25 children among the injured, according to the Standard newspaper.
The government has set up a command center to coordinate rescue operations, and emergency services are working to contain the fire and search for any missing people. The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has stated that the gas plant where the explosion occurred was illegal and had rejected three applications for construction permits to build a storage and filling facility at the site.
The incident has left many people in shock and grief, with some residents saying that they had lost loved ones in the blast. “I have a business on the road that was completely destroyed,” said James Ngoge, who lives across the street from where the blast happened. “It felt like it was going to collapse. At first, we didn’t even know what was happening, it was like an earthquake.”
Instructions from Government in Nairobi
The government has advised people to stay away from the cordoned-off area to allow rescue operations to be carried out with minimal disruptions. The cause of the explosion is still under investigation, but it is believed to have been caused by a gas leak or an accident involving a gas tanker.
In the aftermath of the explosion, there have been calls for more stringent safety regulations to prevent such incidents in the future. The EPRA has promised to take action against any individuals or businesses found to be operating illegal gas facilities.
The explosion has also raised concerns about the safety of gas cylinders and their transportation. Many people in Kenya rely on gas cylinders for cooking and heating, and there have been several incidents in the past where gas cylinders have exploded, causing injuries and property damage.
The government has promised to take measures to ensure the safety of gas cylinders and their transportation, including stricter regulations and enforcement, as well as public education campaigns to raise awareness about gas safety.
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