Government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura has confirmed an explosion and a fire outbreak near the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Embakasi, Nairobi at around 11 am on Thursday night. 

Mwaura, in a communique shared on his social media pages on Friday morning, February 2, stated that the fire broke out at a gas filling company near Kabansora along Airport North Road. 

However, he stated that the cause of the fire remains unknown. Reports indicated that over 165 people were injured and two died in the explosion.

"The company was refilling gas cylinders when the fire broke out and several people were injured and rushed to hospital," Mwaura stated but did not update on the number of casualties so far. 

"The building hosting the company is badly damaged. Members of the public are advised to avoid the area as rescue operations are underway including fire engines being deployed to the area," the spokesperson stated. 

Nairobi Police boss Adamson Bungei also confirmed that the explosion occurred at a gas filling point. 

Emergency service providers who rushed to the scene rushed the injured persons and burn victims to Kenyatta National Hospital, Mama Lucy Hospital, and Komarock Medical Centre for treatment. 

Photos of eyewitnesses who rushed to the scene to rescue the victims indicated burns on their bodies. 

Embakasi OCPD Wesley Kimeto confirmed that an adult a minor who were critically injured passed away at around 4:30 am. 

Out of the 167 injured victims, 142 were said to be adults and 25 were children who were all treated at Mama Lucy Hospital. 7 others who were critically injured were referred to KNH and Kenyatta University Hospital.

Majority of the patients were treated and released but urged to observe their progress and report any health concerns