NAIROBI — 2011 · Major Tragedy

The Sinai Pipeline Fire

ClosedSources: ALast updated: 14 October 2026

On 12 September 2011 a valve failure on a Kenya Pipeline Company line caused fuel to leak into the sewers of the Sinai informal settlement near Nairobi's Lunga Lunga industrial area. As some residents collected the leaking fuel, accumulated vapours ignited and a huge fire broke out. About 100 people died and at least 116 were hospitalised with burns; the exact toll could not be confirmed because some bodies were badly burned or lost in a nearby river. The settlement had for years occupied the pipeline's safety corridor, and warnings had been issued earlier. The company denied responsibility; the environment authority ordered remedial measures.

Date: 2011
Place: Sinai, Kenya, Nairobi, KE
Category: Major Tragedy
Case Status: Closed
Coordinates: -1.3070, 36.8660 ↗

Timeline of Events

12 September 2011A pipeline leak in Sinai turned into a fire.
September 2011The death toll neared 100; officials denied blame.
2011The environment authority ordered the company to take measures.

Sources

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