At least 5 people are feared dead and 80 others seriously injured when a gas cylinder exploded in Nairobi, Saturday. The cylinder exploded in Mlolongo estate in the eastern outskirts of Nairobi when curious street urchins tried to force it open. Reports say, the urchins hit the cylinder with stones. It exploded and spewed out its deadly content leaving some trees and plants in the area withered. A number of expectant mothers who inhaled the deadly gas aborted. Most of the victims experienced breathing problems. Other victims complained of internal pain as they were rushed to hospitals. Police have cordoned off the area as the Government Chemists Department was busy trying to establish the nature of the gas/chemical. This is not the first “strange object” that has killed and injured people. A few years ago, some children were killed in Samburu, northern Kenya, when they stumbled upon a “round metallic ball” which they kicked around as they played. The object turned out to be an unexplored explosive dropped by the British Army during a training exercise in Samburu.
