Tragedy strikes Nairobi

(eTN) – A major fire near or at a Kenya Pipeline Company depot in the industrial area on the outskirts of Nairobi has claimed over a hundred lives, at least 130, according to breaking news from Kenya

(eTN) – A major fire near or at a Kenya Pipeline Company depot in the industrial area on the outskirts of Nairobi has claimed over a hundred lives, at least 130, according to breaking news from Kenyaโ€™s capital. A Kenya reporter said to CNN that some bodies were burnt so badly, there was only ash left or pieces of bones, so it is difficult to say exactly how many have died. Most victims were burned beyond recognition.

As the fire brigade is deploying in full force to control the fire and prevent it from spreading to other nearby installations and buildings, ambulances are deployed to administer first-aid to burn victims and take them to the available city hospitals. Security services are also on full alert to cordon off the area.

According to a CNN report, some people who live in the slum were siphoning fuel from a pipe. One of those persons was smoking, and the butt of the cigarette fell into the fuel, causing the fire.

Ironically, the Kenya Pipeline Company in 2008 called for the establishment of a fire station nearby to offer greater protection and reduce response time in case of fires.

No tourists have come to any harm as Lunga Lunga Road in the industrial area part of Nairobi is not ordinarily frequented by travelers, and while major traffic jams are expected to hinder transportation to and from the International Airport and Wilson Airport, no other fallout for the tourism industry is expected at this moment in time.

Meanwhile, the eTN Africa team extends our sincere condolences to the families and friends of those who have perished in this fire.

See video update from cnn.com: http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/africa/09/12/kenya.fire/index.html

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Linda Hohnholz

Editor in chief for eTurboNews based in the eTN HQ.

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