A fire that broke out at around 4 a.m. on Sunday and swept through sections of Nairobi’s Gikomba Market has been contained after nearly 10 hours of intensive firefighting and emergency response efforts, according to the Kenya Red Cross.
In an update issued on Sunday afternoon, the Kenya Red Cross said first responders treated 17 people who sustained minor injuries, including burns and smoke inhalation, at a first aid post established at the Gikomba Fire Station.
“After nearly 10 hours of response efforts, the fire at Gikomba Market has been contained. Kenya Red Cross first responders attended to 17 casualties with minor injuries, including smoke inhalation and burns, at a first aid post established at the Gikomba Fire Station,” the Kenya Red Cross noted.
17 injured in Gikomba Market fire. Photo: Courtesy.
The blaze, which erupted in the early hours of the morning, razed several business premises near Gikomba’s Gorofani area, leaving traders counting heavy losses.
Emergency teams remained at the scene throughout the day to support affected traders and assess the extent of the destruction.
Although the full value of the damaged property is yet to be established, assessment teams continue to evaluate the scale of losses suffered by hundreds of traders whose businesses were destroyed.
The Kenya Red Cross moreover stated that it is working alongside a multi-agency team to support response efforts and identify the immediate needs of those affected.
Authorities are yet to establish the cause of the fire.
17 injured in Gikomba Market fire. Photo: Courtesy.
Sunday’s incident adds to a growing list of devastating fires that have repeatedly struck Gikomba Market over the years.
