At least eight people sustained serious injuries following a fire outbreak in Kawangware slums, Nairobi.

The fire which broke out at around 7.30pm burned down about 160 houses, forcing residents to seek alternative shelters.

While confirming the incident, the Kenya Red Cross Society noted that it had dispatched a rescue team to the scene.

According to the humanitarian group, despite the injuries, firefighters successfully managed to put out the fire.

“Following the fire incident in Kawangware, the blaze was successfully contained with the support of residents,” read part of a statement by the Kenya Red Cross.

“Unfortunately, 160 homes have been completely destroyed. The Kenya Red Cross has attended to 8 casualties.”

In photos that have since circulated online, the residents were spotted watching from a distance even as property of unknown value went up in flames.

The cause of the fire is yet to be established but police have launched investigations to unravel the root cause.

The Kawangware fire tragedy adds up onto the long list of recent fire incidents that have occurred in different parts of the country.

For instance the Hillside Endarasha Academy fire tragedy that caused the death of 21 learners and a similar fire incident at the Mukuru kwa Njenga slums in Nairobi.