A government spokeswoman described the explosion of a gas-carrying tanker in the Embakasi area as “igniting a huge ball of fire” at around 23:30 (20:30 GMT).
Damage was done to cars, shops, and housing. A massive fire could be seen burning near apartment buildings in the footage.
Later on, the authorities explained that a truck had detonated in the parking yard of the gas plant, rather than the original claim that the explosion occurred there while workers were replenishing gas cylinders.
It has been claimed that the ensuing fire has been suppressed.
Wesley Kimeto, the head of Embakasi police, confirmed that a child was among the deceased and warned that the number could still go up.The region has
been sealed off, and the reason of the explosion is being looked into.
It is understood by the BBC that the event has resulted in the arrest of at least one person.
The authorities reported that 271 individuals, including at least 25 children, were admitted to the hospital.
Many of these individuals were treated and returned home, according to Nairobi Mayor Sakaja Johnson, while at least 39 were transported to other hospitals with serious or critical injuries.
Twenty-seven more individuals received on-site care for non-life-threatening wounds.
Vanant Ndhingila, the organization’s chief of disaster operations, announced that a search and rescue effort was underway on the BBC’s Newsday program. They are attempting to ascertain whether individuals have just sought refuge elsewhere or are missing.
