Hundreds of families spent Sunday night out in the cold after their houses were razed down by a huge fire that engulfed Kijiji area in Lang’ata Estate, Nairobi.
Residents said the fire started at 8pm and spread fast, leaving hundreds homeless.
FIRE
Some residents could not find their children in the confusion that followed the fire outbreak.
“When the fire began everyone was running for their safety and in the process some people do not know where their children are, we hope they are safe,” said a resident.
Four fire engines arrived at the scene but were not able to access the slum due to congested paths.
Mr Pius Masai, the Deputy Director National Disaster Management Unit’s Communication Officer, said firefighters were battling the inferno and he had asked for more reinforcement.
Later, the fire engines ran out of water and did not return to the scene after they left.
County government vehicles also arrived at the scene. But the agitated residents blamed the county government for failing to respond quickly to stop the fire from spreading.
SPREAD FAST
Eyewitnesses said they did not know where the fire started from but it spread fast.
“The fire seemed to be exploding from different spots and efforts by residents to stop it from spreading were futile,” said Mr James Mutua, a resident.
Mothers with little children sat by the road watching helplessly as the fire consumed their houses.
Several houses, shops and entertainment joints were destroyed.
LOSSES
Residents said they have lost property worth thousands of shillings in their houses and businesses, as most of them were unable to salvage anything.
A few families were able to salvage a few of their belongings and furniture before the fire spread.
“I had just arrived home from work when I saw a huge fire from the far end of the slum, but before I could get into the house and secure some of my property, the fire had already started consuming the roofs,” said Ms Mary Onyango, a resident.
INVESTIGATION
Residents feared there were casualties, but none had been reported.
Police at the scene said they were not able to ascertain if there were no casualties and asked residents to remain calm.
They said they would investigate the incident.
Lang’ata OCPD Elijah Mwangi did not respond when the Nation contacted him.
