A witness speaks of people screaming and running after a huge blast in the Kenyan capital.
Image source, ReutersAt least 29 people have been injured and many more are feared to be hurt or killed after an explosion at a gas plant in south-east Nairobi, Kenya.
Video posted on social media show a huge fire raging close to blocks of flats in the Embakasi region.
A government spokesperson said gas cylinders were being refilled when the fire broke out just before midnight on Thursday.
The cause of the fire remains unknown, Isaac Mwaura said.
Firefighters and emergency services are at the scene where Kentainers Company Ltd is based, according to Mr Mwaura.
He added: “The building hosting the company is badly damaged.
“Members of the public are advised to avoid the area as rescue operations are underway including fire engines being deployed to the area.”
Image source, Reuters
Witnesses told local media they felt tremors immediately after the blast.
The Kenya Red Cross said on social media crews have been “tirelessly battling the flames” and said that 29 people had been taken to hospital with injuries.
The blaze is reported to have spread through several apartment complexes, leading to fears the number of casualties could rise further.