Panic as fire breaks out at gas station in Ngara in Nairobi causing explosions

Panic gripped Nairobi’s Ngara area on Sunday morning following a fire outbreak at a gas supply station, leading to a series of explosions as gas cylinders stored at the site ignited and burst into flames. Despite the chaos and the magnitude of the fire, authorities confirmed that no injuries were reported.

Nairobi Regional Police Commander Adamson Bungei, who visited the scene, stated that the fire had caused significant property damage, though the exact value of the losses remains undetermined. He mentioned that investigations are underway to determine the cause of the fire, with initial suspicions pointing to either food kiosks or garages operating near the gas station.

"The explosions were powerful and frightening, but fortunately, no injuries have been reported," Bungei said. He added that some of the staff members at the station fled as the fire quickly spread, and experts are now sifting through the debris to uncover more details.

Videos shared on social media captured the intensity of the fire, with flames shooting high into the air amid the sound of exploding gas cylinders. The incident has revived memories of the tragic gas explosion in Embakasi that occurred in February 2024, where more than ten people lost their lives. That explosion, which took place in a densely populated area, also affected over 148 households and caused extensive damage to 50 businesses.

Following the Embakasi tragedy, there was a crackdown on gas stations operating near residential areas, but this effort seems to have waned over time. Ngara, similar to Embakasi, is a densely populated area, packed with food kiosks, garages with welding activities, and other small businesses, all of which pose a potential fire hazard.

The issue of licensing and regulatory oversight has long been a challenge in Kenya, with frequent allegations of corruption undermining efforts to enforce safety standards. The recent fire incident in Ngara, along with another near-miss last week in Mlolongo Phase 3 - White-house area, where a gas cylinder caught fire in an apartment building and had to be thrown out before it exploded, highlights the urgent need for stricter enforcement of safety regulations.

These recurring incidents underscore the growing risks associated with poorly managed gas storage and handling in residential areas. They also raise pressing questions about the effectiveness of current safety protocols and the need for reforms to better protect public safety in Kenya’s rapidly urbanizing regions.