One Feared Dead, 3 Casualties Reported In Nairobi Gas Explosion

The Kenya Red Cross revealed that the gas explosion was reported to have occurred at Ibgaro House near Madina Mall in the busy area.

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Aug 14, 2023 - 17:14 Updated: Aug 14, 2023 - 18:17
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One Feared Dead, 3 Casualties Reported In Nairobi Gas Explosion
A busy street in Eastleigh, Nairobi. /FILE

At least three casualties have been reported after a gas explosion occurred on Monday, August 14 at the Eastleigh area in Nairobi.

In a tweet, the Kenya Red Cross revealed that the gas explosion was reported to have occurred at Ibgaro House near Madina Mall in the busy area.

"A gas explosion has been reported at Ibgaro House near Madina Mall in Eastleigh. Nairobi Red Cross Action Team has been activated.

Scene following a gas explosion at Eastleigh, Nairobi on August 14, 2023. /KENYA RED CROSS

"So far three casualties have been evacuated to KNH (Kenyatta National Hospital)," the tweet read.

Kenya Red Cross in another update revealed that the scene of the blast was cleared after the situation was contained through coordination by the National Police Service (NPS) and the Nairobi Fire Brigade.

A middle-aged woman was killed in the incident after she was hit by an object as she escaped from the scene of the explosion at about 4 pm, according to police.

Confirming the incident to the media, Eastleigh OCPD Francis Kamau said the explosion was a result of leaking gas in the building which exploded after a person tried to light the gas.

Kamau asserted that a team from the bomb disposal unit arrived at the scene and assessed the damage adding that there was no cause for alarm as the situation had been contained. He further stated that police commenced investigations into the incident with a view to unearthing the cause of the explosion.

One of the proprietors of the building who spoke to journalists said there was no extensive damage or destruction of property which was caused by the explosion.

” I would like to dispel information being spread around that there was a bomb inside the building. The explosion was as a result of a gas which was responded to immediately.” he clarified.

A team from the Kenya Red Cross also arrived at the scene and evacuated the casualties to the hospital. Panic had earlier gripped the residents of Eastleigh following the devastating sound of the explosion.

Curious onlookers milled around the vicinity as a heavily armed contingent of General Service Unit (GSU) officers stood guard in front of the building.

Police also noted that they were waiting for the owner of the house for questioning.

Kamukunji Member of Parliament (MP) Yusuf Hassan expressed his deep sadness following the loss of the woman whose identity remains unknown, as well as the three individuals who were hospitalised with serious injuries.

"The police have reported that a cooking gas explosion in an apartment along First Avenue in Eastleigh this morning was the cause of this tragic incident. The apartment on the first floor of the 11-story building has suffered significant damage. 

"My heartfelt condolences go out to the family of the deceased, and I sincerely wish a swift recovery for those who are injured," he tweeted.

Scene following a gas explosion at Eastleigh, Nairobi on August 14, 2023. /YUSUF HASSAN