Reuters reports that a Kenyan spokesperson, Isaac Mwaura, said on Friday that the explosion occurred in Nairobi's Embakasi neighbourhood just before midnight at a gas refilling company, whose building was badly damaged.
Kenyan authorities have said that a fire outbreak caused by a gas explosion that rocked Nairobi, the country’s capital, has killed two people and injured over 200.
Reuters reports that a Kenyan spokesperson, Isaac Mwaura, said on Friday that the explosion occurred in Nairobi's Embakasi neighbourhood just before midnight at a gas refilling company, whose building was badly damaged.
Mwaura said that the fire that followed then engulfed a nearby textile and garment warehouse, while damaging several vehicles and commercial and residential properties.
Mwaura was quoted as saying in a statement, "As a result, two fellow Kenyans have regrettably lost their lives while being attended to at the Nairobi West Hospital," adding that 222 people were injured in the incident.
The Kenyan Red Cross also said that various emergency units had admitted 271 individuals to hospitals in Nairobi.
A picture from the scene of the fire, according to Reuters, showed one body lying on the ground, covered with a blanket, while smoke billowed from several burning houses nearby.
The government spokesperson added that the scene of the incident has been secured and a command centre set up to help with rescue efforts.