Four dead, thousands homeless after Lang’ata night fire

Three people died and 14,000 others left homeless following an inferno that broke out on Sunday night in the informal settlements of Kijiji in Lang’ata estate, Nairobi.

National Disaster Management Unit Deputy Director of Communications, Pius Maasai says some of the bodies are yet to be identified as cause of fire is yet to established.

Initial reports had indicated there were no fatalities in the fire incident that began at 8pm and lasted for over four hours.

Property of unknown value was also destroyed by the fierce flames that tore through hundreds of the closely built structures, leaving residents counting huge losses.

Preliminary investigations by the police indicated that the fire might have been caused by an electric fault in one of the affected houses.

The displaced families have sought refuge at Ngei Primary School as they come to terms with the tragedy that befell them last night.

Four fire engines which arrived at the scene shortly after the fire began ran out of water after a few minutes leaving the raging inferno to spread, consuming everything on its path; several houses, entertainment joints and business structures.

“There’s no one who can contain the fire, and helpless residents have been left to watch as the inferno brings down houses. Fire fighters left the scene when the engines ran out of water,” said one of the residents.

The inferno was contained at around 1:30am through a joint effort by the Nairobi fire brigade, National Disaster Management Unit and local residents.

Mr. Maasai has urged humanitarian agencies to intervene and offer aid to the victims.

He also appealed to those whose family members disappeared during the incident to report to Langata Police Station.

Meanwhile, police have since cordoned off the area as they comb through for any further findings.