Panic gripped residents of Kariobangi North Ward in Embakasi North Constituency, Nairobi, on Friday after a fierce fire broke out at a chemical building within the Light Industries area, sending thick plumes of smoke billowing into the sky.

The blaze, which engulfed a low-rise structure in the busy industrial zone, forced nearby residents and workers to flee for safety as flames spread rapidly. Eyewitnesses said some locals attempted to fight the fire using buckets of water in the desperate moments before fire engines arrived.

Emergency response teams from Nairobi County later reached the scene and launched efforts to contain the inferno. The cause of the fire remains unclear, though preliminary reports suggest that nearby power lines may have been affected during the incident.

The fire drew large crowds of onlookers who gathered despite warnings to keep a safe distance. Authorities have yet to confirm the extent of the damage or whether there were any injuries or casualties.