Property of unknown value went up in smoke Tuesday mid-morning after a gas cylinder explosion rocked Mukuru Kwa Reuben in Nairobi County. The devastating fire quickly spread to neighboring structures, engulfing a significant area of the slum.
Eyewitnesses reported that the explosion triggered a fierce blaze. Despite their attempts to contain the fire, residents could not overpower the flames. The urgency of the situation heightened as the fire began consuming homes, leaving families in peril.
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Residents expressed their frustration with the Nairobi County Government. They criticized the lack of accessible water that could have helped extinguish the flames quickly. Additionally, they highlighted the poor road conditions, which hindered fire engines’ access to the burning site.
Delays in Emergency Response
Attempts to reach fire emergency services met with delays. Eyewitnesses noted that responders were unavailable when needed most. A video shared on social media captured thick smoke and flames, as residents pleaded for immediate assistance.
No casualties have been reported as of this writing, but many homes are likely destroyed, leaving families homeless. Most residents were away at work, further complicating the situation.
Rising Incidents of Fires in Mukuru Kwa Reuben
This incident is not isolated. It follows a fire that broke out just six days earlier in Mukuru Kwa Reuben. Another recent fire occurred on Muratina Road in Eastleigh on October 16, resulting in no injuries but prompting police to secure the area for investigations.