Fire at Nakumatt Downtown.

29 Jan, 2009

One person is confirmed dead and 40 people are reported missing following a fire at Nakumatt Downtown supermarket on Kimathi Street on 28 January. Several people have also been treated for shock and smoke inhalation at nearby hospitals.

The blaze broke out in the early afternoon in circumstances that remain unclear, although reports suggest an electrical fault may have been to blame. Fire quickly engulfed the building, causing gas cylinders to explode. Local news sources say fire fighters were still at the scene on the morning of 29 January trying to extinguish the blaze.

Red Cross officials are also on hand to offer counselling to survivors and the relatives of missing people.