Residents of Donholm estate in Nairobi were forced to flee their homes on Friday morning, February 6, after a gas explosion sparked a major fire near a well-known eatery.
The blaze erupted near the Total Petrol Station in Donholm, opposite Triple K, triggering panic as several explosions were heard in quick succession.
Families rushed out of their houses as debris flew through the air and gas cylinders continued to explode.
Emergency Teams Respond to Donholm Fire Caused by Gas Explosion. Photo: Courtesy.
Witnesses reported that the fire may have started inside a local hotel before quickly spreading to nearby buildings.
The flames first consumed the eatery, then extended to a neighbouring clinic and later reached a gas cylinder depot located next to the premises.
After the fire spread to the gas depot, initial reports suggest that gas cylinders started exploding in rapid succession, escalating the inferno and increasing the level of destruction.
The blasts hurled cylinders and debris into the air, smashing windows of nearby buildings and causing damage to several vehicles parked in the vicinity.
Terrified residents are said to have rushed out of their homes to safety as the explosions continued, with loud blasts reverberating across the estate.
Emergency responders and county disaster management teams arrived at the scene to contain the fire and evaluate the situation.
Firefighters were able to bring the blaze under control before it spread to nearby residential buildings and businesses.
By mid-morning, the inferno had been contained, though authorities had yet to confirm the full extent of the damage or whether any injuries were reported.
