On a rather sad note, at least two people have lost their lives while scores of others are left nursing wounds following a series of explosions that led to a raging inferno at a company near Kabansora in Embakasi's Mradi area, Nairobi.

According to government reports, the tragedy unfolded around 11:30 PM when a lorry carrying gas cylinders exploded at a gas refilling facility.

The resulting fireball quickly spread, engulfing the surrounding area in flames.

A witness who lives nearby and called Swala Nyeti at the time of the incident said she was woken up by the thundering sound of the explosions that shook the foundation of the apartment she lives.

She wasted no time but just grabbed her children and scampered for safety.

"There's a raging fire at a gas-filling company nearby," Doreen said. 

"I was woken up by the sound of the explosions and at first I thought it was an earthquake. I did not wait to establish what it was but I grabbed my children and quickly ran out of the building for fear of it crumbling down on us."

"I am not sure what is left of my belongings in that house but I am just glad that my children and I are safe...because that's what matters most," she added.

The government, through its spokesman Isaac Mwaura has confirmed the incident.

"Sadly, residential houses in the neighbourhood also caught fire, with a good number of residents still inside as it was late at night," Mwaura stated.

It has since been confirmed that the tragedy claimed the lives of two Kenyans who succumbed to their injuries at the Nairobi West Hospital.

222 others were injured and rushed to various hospitals across the city for medical attention.

The inferno's wrath extended beyond the immediate vicinity, as a flying gas cylinder struck and incinerated the nearby Oriental Godown, a garment and textile business.

"One Lorry of an unknown registration number that was loaded with gas exploded, igniting a huge ball of fire that spread widely," Mwaura stated.

"A flying gas cylinder hit Oriental Godown, burning down the said godown which deals with garments & textiles."

Several vehicles and commercial properties, including numerous small and medium-sized enterprises, also suffered significant damage.

The full extent of the damage is still being assessed while the cause of the fire remains under investigation 

The government has established a command centre at the scene and urged Kenyans to respect the sealed-off area to facilitate uninterrupted rescue operations.

Emergency responders, including the National Police, Nairobi County Government, Kenya Red Cross, and St. John's Ambulance, are working tirelessly to provide aid and restore normalcy to the affected area.

The incident has left a bitter taste in the mouth of Kenyans, who took to social media to raise pertinent questions.

A section of Kenyans are wondering why government regulators such as the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) and the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) could allow such an establishment that posed such a hazard to be established close to a residential area.

The following are some sentiments they shared on social media:

"1. Why there was a gas handling factory operating next to a residential area? 2. How did the company get a permit to operate next to a residential area given the hazards it poses?" Yator who shared that he lost a neighbour in the incident.