8 years ago
Thursday, August 8, 2013
Fire Destroys International Airport Hall
A massive early-morning fire destroyed the arrivals hall at Kenya's main international airport on Wednesday, forcing the closure of East Africa's largest airport and the rerouting of all flights into Nairobi, Kenya.
No serious injuries were reported, said Michael Kamau, the cabinet secretary for transport and infrastructure.
No serious injuries were reported, said Michael Kamau, the cabinet secretary for transport and infrastructure.
Two people were treated for smoke inhalation.
The fire broke out on the 15th anniversary of the bombings of the U.S. Embassy buildings in Nairobi and Dar es Salaam, in neighboring Tanzania, but there were no immediate signs of terrorism in Wednesday's fire.
The fire broke out on the 15th anniversary of the bombings of the U.S. Embassy buildings in Nairobi and Dar es Salaam, in neighboring Tanzania, but there were no immediate signs of terrorism in Wednesday's fire.
Kenya's anti-terror police boss, Boniface Mwaniki, told The Associated Press that he is waiting for the fire to be put out so that he can inspect the scene before making a judgment.
Dark black smoke was visible across much of Nairobi as emergency teams battled the blaze. Passengers reported a slow response by the under-resourced fire brigade.
Dark black smoke was visible across much of Nairobi as emergency teams battled the blaze. Passengers reported a slow response by the under-resourced fire brigade.
The fire raged for more than four hours before being contained, though flames still persisted two hours later.
"It was huge, the smoke billowing, and it didn't seem to be stopping," said Barry Fisher, who had hoped to fly to Ethiopia on Wednesday morning.
The fire gutted the international arrivals hall, where passengers pass through immigration and retrieve their luggage.
"It was huge, the smoke billowing, and it didn't seem to be stopping," said Barry Fisher, who had hoped to fly to Ethiopia on Wednesday morning.
The fire gutted the international arrivals hall, where passengers pass through immigration and retrieve their luggage.
The Kenya Airports Authority closed Jomo Kenyatta International Airport until further notice.
"We reassure international and local travelers that arrangements are being put in place to restore normal operations.
"We reassure international and local travelers that arrangements are being put in place to restore normal operations.
The airlines are working to assist stranded passengers and advise them on the measures being put in place to resume services at JKIA," said Stephen Gichuki, the director of the Kenyan Airports Authority.
The Nairobi airport is the busiest in East Africa, and its closure is likely to affect flights throughout the region and other countries.
The Nairobi airport is the busiest in East Africa, and its closure is likely to affect flights throughout the region and other countries.
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