At least three people have died after a vehicle loaded with gas cylinders exploded in Kenya’s capital Nairobi, setting off an inferno that burned homes and warehouses.

More than 200 people were injured in the blast, with the death toll expected to rise.

An explosion of a truck loaded with gas ignited the huge fireball, and a flying gas cylinder set off the fire that burned down the Oriental Godown, a garments and textiles warehouse, Mr Mwaura said.

Firefighters tackle blaze
A truck loaded with gas cylinders is believed to have been the source of the inferno (AP Photo)

At the scene after daybreak, several houses and shops were burnt-out. The vehicle believed to have started the explosion was on its side, and only the shell remained on the road.

An injured man
More than 200 injuries were reported initially (AP)

The Kenya Red Cross reported three deaths. The toll may rise after daybreak, Wesley Kimeto, the Embakasi police chief said.

The government said 222 people had been injured and rushed to hospital. The Kenya Red Cross later counted more than 270 injuries.

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *