Kenya market fire

This item appears on page 15 of the August 2018 issue.

A fire destroyed parts of Gikomba Market, one of the largest open-air markets in Nairobi, Kenya, in the early morning of June 27, killing at least 15 people and injuring more than 70.

The cause of the fire was not known as of press time, but officials believe it started in an on-site timber yard. Firefighters contained the blaze after about 90 minutes. Fires in the market are common, and arson is often suspected.