Kenya | Massive explosion in gas refilling facility in Nairobi; two dead, several injured

Gas explosions at an industrial building in Kenya's capital Nairobi sent a huge plume of fiery smoke rising over homes early Friday (February 2) and injured at least 29 persons, authorities said.

There are varying reports about the number of deaths and injured, with Reuters saying there were at least two fatalities at the time of reporting, and the number of injured could be several scores of people.

Nairobi residents who took several videos with their phones were heard speaking in concerned tones, some of them screaming.

Government spokesman Isaac Mwaura said a company was refilling gas cylinders when the fire started and it badly damaged the building where the company was based. The fire that started around midnight was later extinguished but the cause was unknown.

Kenya Red Cross ferried 29 injured people, the organisation posted on its X social media account.

The proximity of the industrial company to residences raised questions about enforcement of city plans. Officials at the county government have been accused of taking bribes to overlook building codes and regulations.

(With inputs from agencies)