At least two people were killed after an explosion at a gas plant in Embakasi, Nairobi.
Embakasi police boss Wesley Kimeto confirmed the deceased included one adult and a minor, as of 4:30 am.
He stated that the number may increase as the day breaks.
The explosion occurred almost midnight with videos posted on social media showing a huge fire raging close to blocks of flats.
Kenya Red Cross said the concerted actions of various response units resulted in the successful evacuation of 271 individuals to different health facilities in Nairobi.
So far, at least 167 victims have so far been treated at Mama Lucy Hospital in Nairobi.
This includes 142 adults and 25 children, many with inhalation injuries.
About seven of the critically injured victims were referred to Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) and 17 others to Kenyatta University hospital.
Several patients were treated and discharged from the facility since 1:30 am on Friday.
As of 6:30 am on Friday, Embakasi police said the fire has been contained and they are now combing through the structures to check if there are more casualties.
“It may take time but we have experts on the ground to comb through the debris for more,” he said.
Government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura said gas cylinders were being refilled when the fire broke out just before midnight on Thursday.
The cause of the fire remains unknown, Mwaura said.
Firefighters and emergency services are at the scene where Kentainers Company Ltd is based, according to police.
Witnesses said they felt tremors immediately after the blast.
The Kenya Red Cross said on social media crews have been "tirelessly battling the flames" and said that 29 people had been taken to hospital with injuries.
The blaze spread through several apartment complexes, leading to fears the number of casualties could rise further.
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