At least 15 people including a child have been killed and 70 others wounded after huge night fire swept Gikomba Market in Kenya’s capital city Nairobi, an official and witnesses confirmed Thursday.
Initially, the fire took hold at timber yard at around 2 am before making its way through different sections of the market which was among largest air-open markets in Nairobi.
Speaking to the media, Nairobi Regional Commissioner Kang’ethe Thuku said the rescue team recovered 15 bodies have from the scene of the fire.
“A team of police and firefighters arrived at the scene in a bid to stop the fire. Fifteen people have been confirmed dead and more than 70 others have been admitted with light fire injuries to serious burns.” Mr. Thuku said.
Acting Kenyatta Hospital CEO Thomas Mutie confirmed 70 causalities among 17 children.
“This morning we have received 70 patients of those five came in dead,” he said.
According to the commissioner, the rescue team managed to disconnect power lines in that area to prevent further damage and danger to the recuse teams.
Mr Thuku said buildings in the area that contain explosive materials such as gas cylinders are also being cleared.
He urged the families of those affected by the fire to converge at a tent set up at the site to report what and whoever is missing.
Missing bodies
St John’s Ambulance said their team ferried over 50 who taken to Kenyatta and other city hospitals with burns.
“At least nine people feared died, 58 injured, property worth millions destroyed after a fire outbreak at Nairobi’ s Gikomba Market at 2 am. Victims to KNH,” the emergency service provider said in a tweet.
At least 9 people feared dead, 58 injured, property worth millions destroyed after a fire outbreak at Nairobi's Gikomba market at 2AM. Victims rushed to KNH.
St John Ambulance at the scene. pic.twitter.com/Y9PxVTP7Wb— St John Ambulance Kenya (@StJohnKenya) June 28, 2018
According to Mr. Thuku, nine bodies have not yet been recovered from the scene of the fire.
“The reports we have so far indicate that nine who have been residents of houses gutted down by the fire, have not been yet recovered,” he said.
Late last year, similar inferno destroyed immense properties in Gikomba Market.
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