Government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura has explained what caused the Embakasi gas explosion that left two people dead and 222 others nursing serious injuries.
In a detailed statement, the Government Spokesperson noted that the fire started around 1:30 pm after a huge explosion was heard in the Mradi area, in Embakasi.
According to the government, one lorry that was loaded with gas exploded, igniting a huge fire that spread quickly in the adjacent areas.
Here is the Full Explanation
Further to our earlier communication, the government of Kenya wishes to confirm that yesterday Thursday 1st February 2024, at around 11:30 pm, there was a huge explosion at the Mradi area, in Embakasi, Nairobi County.
One Lorry of an unknown registration number that was loaded with gas exploded, igniting a huge ball of fire that spread widely.
A flying gas cylinder hit Oriental Godown, burning down the said godown which deals with garments & textiles.
Consequently, the inferno further damaged several vehicles and commercial properties, including many small and medium-sized businesses.
Sadly, residential houses in the neighborhood also caught fire, with a good number of residents still inside as it was late at night.
As a result, two fellow kenyans have regrettably lost their lives while being attended to at the Nairobi West Hospital. The government sends its most sincere condolences to the families of the departed souls.
In addition, 222 other Kenyans were injured by the fire, and have been rushed to various hospitals as follows: 21 at the Kenyatta National Hospitall, 160 at Mama Lucy General Hospital, 19 at Mbagathi Hospital, 14 at Modern Komarock Hospital, and 8 at Nairobi West Hospital.
The scene has now been secured and a command center is now in place to help coordinate rescue operations and other intervention efforts. Kenyans are hereby adviced to keep off the cordoned area in order to allow the rescue mission to be carried out minimal disruptions.
The government wishes to thank all the institutions such as the National Police, Nairobi County Government, the Kenya Redcross, St. john’s Ambulance and Kenyans of goodwill for their quick response.
