Night fire destroys businesses in Nairobi's Umoja estate
Initial reports suggest the fire began at a fast food outlet known for selling fries.
A Sunday night fire in Nairobi's Umoja Estate left small business owners counting losses after the inferno reportedly erupted in a commercial shop just before midnight.
The blaze, which was reported in the Peacock stage of the estate, triggered panic among occupants of nearby residential buildings, who hurriedly evacuated, fearing the flames might spread.
Initial reports suggest the fire began at a fast food outlet known for selling fries.
However, the exact cause of the blaze remained unclear, with possibilities ranging from an electrical fault to an accident or even potential arson still under investigation.
Videos shared online captured scenes of residents fleeing the area while calling for emergency assistance.
Massive flames and thick smoke were seen rising from the affected shops, throwing the entire neighborhood into a state of panic.
Those who attempted to contain the fire also expressed concern about the towering flames potentially reaching nearby electricity transmission lines.
Residents and business owners were left to battle the flames on their own before the Nairobi County disaster response team arrived at the scene.
As of the time of publishing, both the local administration and county authorities had yet to release an official statement regarding the incident.
It also remained uncertain whether there were any casualties or injuries resulting from the fire.
This incident comes months after a similar tragedy on August 29 last year, when at least two people lost their lives in a fire at the nearby Umoja Three Estate.
The two victims, aged four and five, were reportedly alone at home when the fire broke out and later spread to nearby structures.
Approximately 20 residential houses were destroyed in the blaze, with property worth an undetermined amount also reduced to ashes, according to reports.
