Panic as boiler explodes at airport

There was panic at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) when a boiler exploded and caused damage to property.By Cyrus Ombati

The explosion occurred at a cafÈ near the international departure area following what police termed a mechanical problem.

It happened at about 11 pm Monday night as a number of international airlines readied to take off. There were however no passengers near the explosion scene.

Witnesses said there was panic at the airport following the explosion before experts discovered what it was.

Airport police boss Philip Tuimur and his CID counterpart Joseph Ngisa said they had discovered the explosion was caused by a boiler at a cafÈ near Unit Three.

"The boiler burst causing the blast that damaged glass, doors and utensils. No injury was reported and we are investigating the incident," said Ngisa.

Bomb experts were called in and combed the area before declaring it safe. They said the explosion was caused by a mechanical problem with the boiler.