Catastrophic Gas Explosion in Nairobi

Catastrophic Gas Explosion in Nairobi: Tragedy Claims Lives and Sparks Urgent Calls for Regulatory Accountability

Amidst the night in Nairobi, the Kenyan capital, an immense explosion resonated, claiming the lives of a minimum of three individuals and leaving nearly 300 wounded.

In the district of Embakasi, the calamity unfolded approximately at 23:30 (20:30 GMT) on Thursday when a truck transporting gas cylinders erupted, resulting in the ignition of an extensive conflagration, as recounted by an official.

The aftermath witnessed substantial destruction to residences, businesses, and vehicles, vividly captured in videos showcasing a formidable blaze engulfing the vicinity close to apartment blocks.

Law enforcement has cordoned off the area, commencing an inquiry into the origin of the explosion, which took the life of a child, as reported by Embakasi police chief Wesley Kimeto, who expressed the possibility of the death toll rising.

Official records indicate that 271 people were conveyed to hospitals, inclusive of 25 children, with Nairobi county Governor Sakaja Johnson highlighting that while many received treatment and were discharged, at least 39 required relocation to other facilities, some in critical condition.

Moreover, 27 individuals received on-site treatment for non-life-threatening injuries. Initially perceived as an incident at a gas plant engaged in cylinder refilling, authorities later clarified that the explosion emanated from a truck situated in a parking yard.

Government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura conveyed that the explosion's fireball propagated widely, with a gas cylinder, propelled by the blast, colliding with a warehouse dedicated to clothing and textiles, eventually succumbing to flames.

Mwaura detailed, "The inferno further damaged several vehicles and commercial properties, including many small and medium-sized businesses." Regrettably, residential homes in the vicinity also caught fire, trapping numerous residents within due to the late hour.

Despite subsequent containment of the fire, ongoing search and rescue endeavors aim to ascertain if individuals remain unaccounted for or sought refuge elsewhere.

Embakasi East MP Babu Owino affirmed the persistent search for potential casualties within various residences.

The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (Epra) issued a statement identifying the gas plant as illegal, having rejected three construction permit applications for a storage and filling facility due to safety standard non-compliance and the high population density around the proposed site.

Perplexingly, the illegal facility continued operations, prompting questions about regulatory oversight.

Government representative Mwaura, after inspecting the site, emphasized that the company proprietors must "compensate the victims" and bear "full responsibility" for the explosion, denouncing the immoral risk-taking for profit.

Mwaura further underscored the role of weak enforcement institutions and corruption, culminating in the tragic loss of three lives.

Reports indicate the arrest of at least one individual, a site security guard, in connection with the incident.

Within the compound where the explosion transpired, around ten trucks lay incinerated, one landing on top of a residential building, causing partial destruction.

Eyewitnesses recounted the blast propelling objects, including gas cylinders and a shipping container, skyward. Survivors vividly described chaotic scenes, with people ablaze and residents running for safety.

Jackline Karimi, a survivor, witnessed the horror, narrating her escape as she suffered burns on her hand, arm, and leg. Attempts to aid others were futile amid the chaotic retreat.

As emergency services rushed victims to Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital, Geoffrey, a survivor, recounted waking to a colossal explosion, fearing the collapse of his residence. In shielding his child, Geoffrey sustained severe burns.

A command center has been established to coordinate rescue operations, with humanitarian aid extended to those affected. The government plans to offer two months' rent to survivors whose homes were razed in the explosion.

This tragic incident underscores the critical need for stringent regulatory measures and ethical considerations in ensuring the safety and well-being of the populace.