Panic at Galleria mall as motorist rams into vehicles

A vehicle that rammed into other vehicles at the Galleria mall, prompting police officers to shoot in the air on September 22, 2014. PHOTO | GERALD ANDERSON | NATION MEDIA GROUP

Panic gripped shoppers at the Galleria mall in Nairobi on Monday afternoon when a vehicle rammed into other vehicles in the parking area, prompting police to shoot in the air.

The vehicle, according to witnesses, accelerated into the parking of the Galleria mall in Lang'ata as it was being checked at the gate, prompting the police officers manning the premises to shoot in the air after it hit three vehicles and a motorcycle.

WESTGATE ATTACK

Police in the capital have been on high alert over possible terrorist attacks on key installations as the city marks the first anniversary of the attack on the Westgate Mall.

Nairobi Deputy County Police Commander Moses Ombati said two cars caught fire after the incident as people who were at the mall took cover and ran for their lives.

“The owner of the vehicle that rammed into the others was rescued and taken to the hospital located in the mall, where he was diagnosed to have suffered seizures” Mr Ombati explained.

Two lorries carrying GSU officers arrived at the scene a few minutes after the incident, together with armed police officers drawn from the Lang'ata Division.

“The (officers) had to make sure there was nothing like an attack. We have to be cautious and we are not taking anything to chance” Mr Ombati said.