Nairobi County on spot as gas explosion in Huruma kills eight, leaves 80 families homeless
The victims have now accused emergency services from Nairobi County of responding slowly, despite a fire station being located nearby.
At least eight people have lost their lives, 10 others are nursing injuries, and close to 80 families have been left homeless after a fire razed homes in Madoya slums, Huruma, Nairobi County.
The inferno, reportedly caused by a gas explosion, tore through the neighbourhood on Thursday night, leaving charred remains as evidence of the destruction.
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One of the victims recounted the horrifying moment he lost several family members despite frantic rescue efforts by neighbours.
“When we got out, I searched for my family but couldn’t find all of them. My daughter was rushed to the hospital, but she passed away. The mother of my children and my other children were also missing in the inferno,” Wycliffe Olumi said.
Another survivor, Lynn Atieno, who is currently nursing burns and other injuries, narrated her desperate attempt to flee the blaze.
“The explosion was so sudden. I ran out, trying to escape, but the fire was everywhere. I had to go back looking for another way out,” she said.
The victims have now accused emergency services from Nairobi County of responding slowly, despite a fire station being located nearby.
Residents claim that fire trucks failed to arrive on time, allegedly due to a lack of fuel, and faulted local administrators for not coordinating timely assistance.
Digital creator Zek Mtetezi also condoled with the victims but blamed regulatory lapses for such disasters.
“I take this opportunity to condole with bereaved families in this fire tragedy that took the lives of our people and also destroyed their property in Huruma Ward. Unfortunately, gas explosions have become a rampage, killing people and pushing families back into poverty,” he said.
Mtetezi argued that government oversight on gas safety has been insufficient, pointing to failures by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) and local vendors.
“The gas cylinder has a life span, but vendors often refill without considering its condition, leading to explosions like this one. Action must be taken. It is upon the government through the National Assembly, the Senate and the Nairobi County Assembly to enforce regulations on gas refills to stop this menace of losing our people and property,” he said.
Families left without homes have now decried being exposed to ongoing heavy rains and lack of food, urging the government and well-wishers for urgent support.
“We are sleeping outside with our children. We have nothing left; no food, no clothes. We just need help,” one displaced resident said.
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