A night inferno has left a trail of destruction and millions of damages in Kiambu County after a fire broke out at Total Fourways Petrol Station along Kiambu Road on Wednesday at around 10:15pm.

The flames spread quickly across the station, causing panic among nearby residents and motorists using the busy road.

Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi ordered all available emergency response teams to rush to the scene, with at least three fire engines deployed.

Firefighters battled the blaze through the night as authorities urged motorists to avoid the area to allow smooth operations.

Eyewitnesses claimed the fire may have started during the offloading of fuel from a tanker, although the exact cause has not yet been confirmed.

Several vehicles parked near the station were reduced to shells, and a nearby Pizza Inn outlet was also destroyed, showing the extent of the damage.

“The blaze started with a loud explosion near the entrance of the municipality offices next to the Ruiru Chief’s offices, and within minutes, flames had spread rapidly,” said one eyewitness, suggesting a possible gas leak.

In a separate incident, a fire at Lang’ata Women’s Prison affected staff houses, displacing about 20 families.

Authorities confirmed that inmates were safe as investigations continue into both fires.

The incident comes just weeks after another major blaze in Ruiru, raising concern over increasing fire outbreaks in the