A local dealer and a gas supplier of in Nairobi’s Ngara area is at the center of investigations to unravel the cause of the massive mysterious gas explosion today at dawn along Desai Road that left a trail of detractions to nearby stalls and residential areas.
However, during the 5am incident, no casualties have been reported.
The explosion is said to have blown off shortly after a consignment of cooking gas cylinders were reportedly delivered at the store, a few kilometers from the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD).
Police said fire engines from Nairobi City and GSU responded to the incident and documented no casualties.
The explosion, reported at around 5:28am today, is believed to have originated from a shop owned by a man only identified as Stephen.
His business deals in the wholesale and retail of cooking gas, and received the last bulk supply at 5:00 am according to police.
The explosion sparked a fire that quickly spread to surrounding areas, destroying both businesses and residential structures.
An initial assessment suggested the fire had impacted thirty business units and ten residential units leading to a yet to be quantified loss.
Earlier, videos circulating on social media showed large balls of fire engulfing the area, with thick plumes of smoke rising into the sky.
This incident comes months after a gas-related tragedy in February when a gas explosion in the Mradi area of Embakasi claimed at least three lives and left over 280 people injured.
The Embakasi explosion, caused by a leak on gas cylinder truck, sparked calls for accountability over the operation of gas plants within residential areas against established regulations.
Nairobi governor Johnson Sakaja announced the immediate closure of gas refilling stations within a 200-meter radius of residential premises in response to the Mradi incident.
Today’s Ngara gas explosion incident has reignited concerns over the safety of fuel and gas handling facilities in densely populated areas with calls for stricter regulations and swift action to deter such incidents.
