Nairobi, Sep 12 (BNO NEWS): At least 127 people have been confirmed dead and scores of others have been injured or are missing after a gas pipeline exploded in southern Kenya on Monday, officials said.

The incident happened at around 9 a.m. local time in the industrial area of Nairobi, near the Kenya Pipeline Company and scores of slums. It happened as hundreds of people living in the area, mostly in homes made of wood and cardboard, were preparing to start the new week.

Initial reports indicate that the pipeline was leaking oil into Nairobi's Sinai slums, eventually causing a fire and large explosions which devastated the area. The slums are located just above the pipeline, which feeds the Kenya Pipeline Company fuel depot nearby.

Dozens of burnt bodies are scattered throughout the area, and police confirmed at least 127 people had been killed. Some of the victims lie near the Nairobi River, which passes by the area, as a number of victims tried to swim away from the explosion.

In addition to the fatalities, at least 120 people have been admitted to regional hospitals where doctors are requesting blood donations, water, bedding, and room heaters to accommodate the victims.

Search and rescue operations were still being carried out on Monday evening by local firefighters, the military, and police, although the chances of finding survivors are slim. It is believed the death toll could rise further.

According to local media, the scene of the disaster has already been visited by Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka and Energy Minister Kiraitu Murungi.