Nairobi, Kenya(Mogadishu24)-Two people have died following an explosion that rocked Mradi area in Embakasi, Nairobi.

Government Spokesman Isaac Mwaura said the two died while undergoing treatment at the Nairobi West Hospital.

Mwaura added that 222 others were injured and have been rushed to various hospitals as follows: 21 at the Kenyatta National Hospital and 160 at Mama Lucy General Hospital.

19 others are at Mbagathi Hospital, 14 at Modern Komarock Hospital, and 8 at Nairobi West Hospital.

“One Lorry of 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,” Mwaura noted in a statement.

Consequently, the inferno further damaged several vehicles and commercial properties, including business premises.

Residential houses in the neighborhood also caught fire, with a good number of residents still inside.

“The government sends its most sincere condolences to the families of the departed souls. The Government is 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 scene has been secured and a command center put 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 minimal disruptions,” the statement added.

Source: Citizen Digital