IN PICS| Massive fire set off by gas explosion in Kenya's capital kills at least 3 people, injures over 270

The truck explosion ignited a huge fireball, and a flying gas cylinder set off a fire that burned down the Oriental Godown, a warehouse that deals with garments and textiles.

A vehicle loaded with gas exploded and set off an inferno that burned homes and warehouses in Kenya's capital early Friday, killing at least three people and injuring more than 270. (Photo | AFP)

Police and the Kenya Red Cross reported three deaths. The toll may rise after daybreak, said Wesley Kimeto, the Embakasi police chief.

Firefighters managed to bring the blaze under control by around 9:00 am (0600 GMT), more than nine hours after it erupted.

Many residents were likely inside their homes when the fire reached their houses late in the night in the Mradi area of the Nairobi neighborhood of Embakasi.

Firemen extinguish a blaze following a series of explosions in the Embakasi area of Nairobi.

This aerial view taken on February 2, 2024 shows a man looking for belongings at the heavily damaged houses and shops, a day after a gas explosion in the Embakasi area of Nairobi.