At least 15 injured in Umoja matatu explosion

At least 15 passengers were Sunday evening injured when an explosive went off inside a matatu in Umoja area, Nairobi.

The passengers were burnt and hit by flying objects after the blast inside a Forward Travellers matatu that was headed for Kayole. The injured were rushed to Mama Lucy Hospital with multiple injuries. Witnesses said they saw sparks of fire emerge from the matatu’s battery before a fire engulfed, accompanied by a loud blast.

Other officials say someone may have been carrying a jerrycan of petrol in the vehicle which caused the blast.

Ambulances were sent to the hospital to transfer the injured to Kenyatta National Hospital.

Nairobi police boss Japheth Koome said they are yet to know what caused the blast.

“The vehicle was badly damaged after the incident but we don’t know what caused it. We have sent experts to investigate and analyse the scene,” he said.

He added the injured had multiple injuries including burns.