Government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura has revealed the cause of the fire incident at the Mradi area in Embakasi, Nairobi County, that occurred on Thursday night.
The government has attributed the source to a truck that exploded, causing a huge fireball that burned a nearby godown.
"One lorry with an unknown registration number that 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 and textiles. Consequently, the inferno further damaged several vehicles and commercial properties, including many small and medium-sized businesses," Mwaura said in a statement.
The fire spread to the neighbouring residential areas, and so far, two deaths have been confirmed by the state.
"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 fellow Kenyans have regrettably lost their lives while being attended to at the Nairobi West Hospital," the statement added.
Victims
The injured victims were rushed to the nearby health facilities, while others were referred to Kenyatta National Hospital.
"The government sends its sincere condolences to the families of the departed souls.
"In addition, 222 other Kenyans were injured by the fire and have been rushed to various hospitals as follows: twenty-one at the Kenyatta National Hospital, 160 at Mama Lucy General Hospital, nineteen at Mbagathi Hospital, 14 at Modern Komarock Hospital, and eight at Nairobi West Hospital," the former nominated Member of Parliament added.
The government has secured the scene and advised members of the public to keep off the place as the rescue mission goes on.
"The scene has now been secured, and a command centre 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 with minimal disruptions.
"Finally, the government is also in the process of doing everything possible within its means to assist the victims of the fire incident and also to help restore normalcy in the affected area," the update added.
