BLAST IN NAIROBI...

A man is reported to have died and more than 36 others are fighting for their lives in various hospitals in Nairobi after an explosion near a petrol station in downtown Nairobi on Sunday.

The impact blasted two 20-ft containers full of second-hand auto parts metres away and flung vehicles across the street.

The scene of the explosion was a condemned building which, because of the street slope, was like the basement of Kirinyaga Road Shell Petrol Station.

The building reeked of petrol, possibly suggesting leaking underground tanks. The explosion set fire to the fuel pumps at the station, which was quickly put out by the fire department.

One man died at Guru Nanak Hospital where he had been rushed for treatment for multiple injuries, according to Nairobi Provincial Police boss Anthony Kibuchi.

Ballistic experts were still combing the scene to establish its cause. There were conflicting reports with some eyewitnesses claiming the explosion was caused by a gas cylinder, while others said it was a missile.

The district has one of the biggest concentrations of illegal immigrants in the city. One apartment block was packed with Pakistani immigrants.

Police and rescue officials said 36 people were being treated at Kenyatta National Hospital, MP Shah Hospital, Nairobi Hospital, Guru Nanak and Park Road Nursing Home.

Of those injured, five were in serious condition on Sunday. (IN PICTURES: Nairobi blast)

Among those injured was Ayaan Altaf, aged just one and half months, who sustained cuts on the head from broken glass.

Several others suffered burns to the face and head, fractures and cuts from the broken glass and metal.

A doctor at Kenyatta where most of the injured were taken said most of them had sustained second degree burns and tissue injuries.

Second-hand car part dealers lost property in the blast. At least ten vehicles, including five saloon cars, were extensively damaged.

The explosion occurred near Grogan Garage on lower Kirinyaga Road between Kirinyaga Road Shell Petrol Station and Shabir Centre, a six-floor residential block.

Some of the injured were tenants of the building, which was also damaged. Glass windows were shattered in most of the nearby buildings.

Eyewitnesses, describing the power of the explosion, said it lifted shipping containers and cars in the air and slammed them onto the pavement across the street. Prime Minister Raila Odinga has promised speedy investigations into the real cause of the blast.