Fatal market fire hits Nairobi
June 28, 2018
A fire ripped through one of Nairobi's largest open-air markets early Thursday, killing at least 15 people and injuring dozens more.
At least four children were among those killed in the pre-dawn blaze at Gikomba market , which authorities said likely started in a timber yard.
More than 70 people were taken to hospital after the blaze.
The fire spread rapidly from wooden market stands to nearby residential buildings and shanties, causing "extensive damage to property," the Red Cross said.
Rescue crews said operations were ongoing, but were slowed down by smoke, gas canisters and electricity wires.
Fires at the Gikomba market are frequent. Last year two fires just months apart reduced larges blocks of informal stands into black char and displaced traders.
The informal market largely sells second-hand clothes, shoes and vegetables in the eastern part of the Kenyan capital.