NAIROBI, Kenya – A major fire broke out at Lotus House in Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) on Monday afternoon, prompting a large-scale emergency response amid reports that several people may be trapped inside the commercial building.
The blaze erupted at the multi-storey building located opposite Easy Coach and near Afya Centre, sending thick black smoke billowing above the city centre and triggering panic among traders, workers and commuters.
Preliminary reports indicate the fire started on the building’s first floor before spreading rapidly through sections of the premises. The cause of the fire had not been established by the time of publication.
Emergency responders, led by Nairobi County firefighters, rushed to the scene and launched rescue and firefighting operations as authorities worked to establish whether occupants remained trapped inside the building.
Initial attempts by people at the scene to contain the fire using portable fire extinguishers were unsuccessful due to the intensity of the blaze and difficulties accessing affected sections of the building.
Videos and images from the scene showed firefighters battling the flames while large crowds gathered outside the building, watching the rescue efforts as police secured the area.
The incident caused temporary traffic disruption along the busy Tom Mboya Street as emergency vehicles responded and curious onlookers crowded nearby roads.
Authorities were also responding to concerns that the fire could spread to a nearby petrol station located close to Afya Centre, although emergency teams moved swiftly to contain the blaze and prevent further escalation.
According to preliminary reports, several people may have been inside the building when the fire broke out, but officials had not confirmed the number of those trapped or whether there were any casualties.
Lotus House is home to numerous small businesses, commercial offices, private agencies and retail outlets, with the first floor largely occupied by corporate offices and company suites.
The latest incident adds to a series of fire outbreaks that have affected commercial buildings in Nairobi’s CBD in recent years, renewing concerns about fire safety standards, emergency preparedness and compliance with building safety regulations.
By the time of publication, firefighting and rescue operations were still underway, while authorities continued investigations into the cause of the blaze. Officials had yet to release an official statement on casualties or the extent of damage.
More details are expected as the rescue operation continues.
