Gas Cylinder Depot Explosion Triggers Fire And Panic In Donholm Estate
News Updated: 06 February 2026 11:37 EAT
Gas cylinder depot explodes at Kisumu Ndogo estate in Donholm
A gas cylinder depot exploded early Friday morning at Kisumu Ndogo area in Donholm estate, Nairobi, sparking a massive fire that sent residents fleeing amid loud blasts and thick smoke billowing into the sky.
Witnesses reported hearing a powerful explosion followed by a series of smaller blasts as gas cylinders detonated, shaking nearby houses and businesses in the densely populated neighbourhood.
The fire is said to have started near commercial premises before spreading rapidly to the gas depot, where several cylinders caught fire and exploded, intensifying the inferno.
Residents described scenes of panic as people rushed out of their homes, some in nightwear, fearing further explosions as flames engulfed structures close to the depot.
Flying debris and exploding cylinders reportedly damaged nearby buildings and vehicles, while windows of surrounding houses were shattered by the force of the blasts.
Firefighters from the Nairobi City County Fire Brigade were quickly deployed to the scene and managed to contain the fire, preventing it from spreading further into residential areas.
Security officers cordoned off the affected area to allow emergency teams to operate and to keep members of the public at a safe distance.
Thick plumes of black smoke were visible from several parts of the city, drawing large crowds before police dispersed onlookers for safety reasons.
As of the time of reporting, authorities had not confirmed any casualties, with emergency teams still assessing the situation on the ground.
Some residents were treated for shock as others counted losses, with property damage reported in homes and businesses located close to the explosion site.
The incident has renewed concerns over the safety of gas depots and other hazardous facilities operating near residential areas within the city.
Authorities have launched investigations to establish the exact cause of the explosion as emergency services continue to secure the area and monitor for any further danger.
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FELIX MAKONA
FACT FINDER AND DATA DRIVEN JOURNALIST. DATA MINING AT IT'S BEST. GET FACTS RANGING FROM MATTERS DISABILITY AND INCLUSION, POLITICS, ECONOMY, SPORTS AND GENERAL NEWS AROUND THE WORLD