In keeping with the Kenyan tradition of major calamaties in Kenya during the month of August, reports indicate that a major fire has engulfed the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) . According to eyewitnesses, the fire started at dawn and quickly spread to the arrivals lounge at the airport.
Tweets about “#jkia fire”
The Kenya airports authority confirmed this through their twitter account. They have also confirmed that the Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure and transport Eng. Michael Kamau would be holding a press conference later in the day. Kenya airways also confirmed the closure of the airport indefinately.
We confirm that there is a fire at JKIA. International Arrivals Building affected.
— Kenya Airports (@Kenya_Airports) August 7, 2013
Esteemed Guests, JKIA is closed due to the unfortunate fire incident , all flights cancelled please dont come until we update soon ^ HL
— Kenya Airways (@KenyaAirways) August 7, 2013
This fire comes just one day after the Kenya Airports Authority had to stop departures from the airport after an airlock in the fuel system grounded normal services.
courtesy https://twitter.com/984inthemorning/status/364963944042991616/photo/1
No Casualties According to Eng. Kamau
While stating that the focus at the moment is to contain the fire, the Cabinet Secretary requested that the airport be kept safe and clear of non-essential personel including spectators.
Calm Returns to JKIA as President Uhuru Visits the Scene
The 4 hour fire appears to have been contained. The aftermath is catastrophic as pictures show the whole arrivals area in shambles.
Massive destruction at #JKIA pic.twitter.com/QRrrS7EgKS
— Betty Kyallo (@BettyKyalo) August 7, 2013
Inside the burnt units courtesy of @angelkatuss pic.twitter.com/VjG3TJrTOl
— Betty Kyallo (@BettyKyalo) August 7, 2013
There is still no news on when the airport will be re-opened.
Two Hospitalised in JKIA Fire
In an update on their Facebook Page, Kenya Airways have clarified that two people have been hospitalised due to the JKIA fire. This is contrary to previous reports that there were no casualties.
The best news is that the Immigration office has quickly relocated to the cargo area to process visas and other immigration issues.
We would like to inform all our customers and stakeholders that due to the Fire at Jomo Kenyatta International airport all our flights are currently cancelled till further notice.
All our staff and Customers are Safe and there is no damage to the Aircrafts.
The following flights landed Nairobi safely,KQ765, KQ466, KQ221, KQ101, KQ625, KQ887, KQ732, KQ417.
Five flights KQ117,KQ331,KQ311,KQ863,KQ203 have been diverted to Mombasa. All our transit passengers are being facilitated to Hotels in Nairobi and Mombasa.
One staff and a passenger had slight smoke inhalation and are safe in hospital for further investigation.
We shall update as more news becomes available
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