One dead, dozens injured in Kenya blast

One dead, dozens injured in Kenya blast

2011-06-06 02:27:28 GMT+7 (ICT)

NAIROBI (BNO NEWS) -- One person was killed and scores were injured on Sunday after an underground fuel tank exploded at a petrol station in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi.

Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) reported that a tank exploded at a Shell Petrol Station in Nairobi's downtown. The blast extended to adjacent buildings and at least 11 private and public service vehicles that were in the vicinity.

One man was rushed to the city's Guru Nanak hospital where he later died. The Nairobi City Council Fire Brigade and Kenya Police Service rescue many people who were trapped in the rubble and at least 34 were sent to nearby hospitals.

According to Dr. Peter Wanyoike of Kenyatta hospital, most victims sustained second degree burns, with a few suffering multiple fractures and minor cuts from sharp objects. A majority of those injured were mechanics working outside as well as spare part dealers who were working in their shops near the petrol station.

Prime Minister Raila Odinga visited the site with other ministers and vowed that the government will work to ensure that the cause of the explosion is determined.

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2011-06-06