NAIROBI, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- At least three people were killed and thousands left homeless following the fierce fire that broke out on Sunday night in Nairobi's informal settlement, officials confirmed on Monday.
The National Disaster Management Unit Deputy Director Pius Masai said they fear the toll may increase as the search in the debris went on Monday.
Masai said multi-agencies are still combing the scene in efforts to know more about the fire that broke out in Lang'ata's Kijiji slum at around 9 p.m. on Sunday.
"Unfortunately we have recovered three dead bodies in debris. Search and recovery exercise is still ongoing. We appeal to anyone missing a family member to report to Lang'ata police station or at the command post for tracing," he said, adding that one of the deceased had been identified.
Property of unknown value was destroyed by the fierce flames that tore through hundreds of the closely built structures, leaving thousands of residents with huge losses.
Residents said firefighters had difficulties accessing the site while some fire engines ran out of water before the inferno was contained.
The issue of roads in slums has been thorny amid calls for opening up such routes to help in response in case of emergency.
Masai appealed to well-wishers to donate food and non-food items for more than 6,000 affected families. The families are camping at a local school, threatening an outbreak of a disease because of lack of major amenities.
Masai said multi-agencies who are conducting the search plan a headcount to establish those missing and present.
According to the police, initial investigations by the police indicated that the fire might have been caused by an electric fault in one of the affected houses.
The fire is said to have started from one of the affected structures at Kijiji area opposite Southlands before spreading fast to others.
Huge flame of the fire emanated from the area as it spread fast. Fire fighters said they had difficulties in accessing the site of the fire.
"The engines cannot get in and the fighters are here making calls. There is no road there," said Jack Okinyi, a resident at Southlands.
