Residents of Donholm estate in Nairobi woke up to panic and confusion early Friday morning after a gas station next to a popular eatery exploded, sending loud shockwaves across the neighbourhood.
The explosion happened in the early hours when most people were still asleep. Residents reported hearing a very loud bang that shook houses and rattled windows. Many people said they were jolted out of bed and rushed outside to find out what had happened.
“At first, I thought something had hit the building,” said one resident. “The sound was so loud, and the ground shook. People were screaming and calling each other in fear.”
The gas station is located close to residential homes and businesses, making the explosion especially frightening. Witnesses said flames and heavy smoke were seen rising from the area shortly after the blast.
The shockwaves were felt several metres away, causing panic among residents who feared there could be more explosions.
The station is situated next to a well-known eatery that attracts many customers during the day. Fortunately, the incident occurred early in the morning when the area was mostly quiet. Residents believe this may have prevented serious injuries or loss of life.
Emergency responders arrived at the scene shortly after the explosion.
Firefighters worked to secure the area as police officers blocked nearby roads and kept residents at a safe distance. People were advised to stay away as authorities assessed the situation.
By sunrise, many residents had gathered near the scene, trying to understand what caused the explosion. Some businesses nearby remained closed, while others delayed opening due to safety concerns. Debris was visible around the gas station, showing the force of the blast.
At the time of reporting, authorities had not confirmed the cause of the explosion. Investigations were ongoing to determine what led to the incident and whether safety measures at the gas station were followed. Officials said more information would be released once investigations are complete.
The incident has raised fresh concerns among residents about the safety of gas stations operating close to homes.
Some locals are calling on authorities to review safety standards and ensure strict enforcement to prevent similar incidents in the future.
For now, Donholm residents remain shaken by the early morning explosion, with many describing it as a frightening experience they will not forget anytime soon.
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