A massive fire broke out early Sunday morning in the Ngara area along Desai Road, Nairobi, leaving a trail of destruction and devastation as several stalls and shops were razed. The inferno caused panic among traders and residents, with explosions reported as gas cylinders from a nearby supply station ignited, further intensifying the blaze. Firefighters from the Nairobi County government were able to eventually contain the fire, but not before it caused significant damage to property and livelihoods.
The Incident
According to eyewitnesses, the fire began in one of the shops within the bustling market area. The flames quickly spread to adjacent stalls, fueled by the tightly packed structures and highly flammable materials present in the shops. The fire then reached a gas supply station, triggering multiple explosions as gas cylinders stored at the site went up in flames. The loud bangs from the exploding cylinders added to the chaos, sending bystanders and nearby residents into a frenzy.
“The fire was extremely fierce, and the explosions made it even more dangerous. People were running in every direction, trying to save what they could,” recounted one of the traders who lost their shop in the fire.
Firefighting Efforts
Firefighters from the Nairobi County government responded swiftly to the emergency. However, due to the extent and intensity of the fire, it took several hours to fully bring the blaze under control. The narrow pathways and crowded layout of the stalls posed significant challenges for the firefighting teams, making it difficult to access the heart of the fire quickly. Despite these hurdles, the firefighters managed to prevent the flames from spreading further, averting what could have been an even larger catastrophe.
Nairobi Regional Police Commander Adamson Bungei, who visited the scene, commended the efforts of the firefighters but expressed concern over the recurring fire incidents in market areas. “While we are thankful that no injuries have been reported so far, it is troubling that such fires continue to occur in our marketplaces. We need to ensure that safety measures are in place to prevent these tragedies,” he stated.
Traders Left Counting Losses
As the sun rose over the charred remains of the stalls, traders were left grappling with the aftermath of the fire. Many of them had invested heavily in their businesses, stocking goods worth thousands of shillings, which were reduced to ashes within minutes. For these traders, the loss is not just financial but also emotional, as many of them have operated in the market for years, building their livelihoods from the ground up.
“It is heartbreaking. I have lost everything. My stock, my savings, and my only source of income are gone,” lamented one trader, who looked on helplessly as street children scavenged through the debris for any salvageable items.
The value of the property destroyed in the fire is yet to be determined, but preliminary assessments suggest that the losses could run into millions of shillings. With no immediate compensation or insurance to cover the losses, the affected traders now face an uncertain future.
Investigation and Response
Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the fire. Initial reports suggest that it may have originated from food kiosks or garages operating near the gas supply station. Commander Bungei emphasized that fire safety experts are on the ground to conduct a thorough assessment of the scene and ascertain the source of the fire.
“We suspect the fire started from either food kiosks near the station or some garages operating there. Experts are investigating the incident, and we will take appropriate measures once the findings are conclusive,” Bungei said.
The incident underscores the need for stricter safety regulations and enforcement in market areas, particularly those dealing with hazardous materials such as gas cylinders. As the community comes together to support the affected traders, there is a growing call for improved fire safety measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
