Massive fire set off by gas explosion in Kenya’s capital kills at least three people, injures over 270

A vehicle loaded with gas exploded and set off an inferno that burned homes and warehouses in Kenya’s capital early on Friday, killing at least three people and injuring more than 270, with the death toll expected to rise.

Many residents were believed to be in their homes when the fire reached their houses late in the night in the Mradi area of the Nairobi neighbourhood of Embakasi, government spokesman Isaac Mwaura said.

The truck explosion ignited a huge fireball, and a flying gas cylinder set off a fire that burned down the Oriental Godown, a warehouse that deals with garments and textiles, Mr Mwaura said. Several other vehicles and businesses were damaged by the inferno that started around 11:30pm on Thursday.