The scary midnight explosion which was caught on camera by residents in the area is said to have occurred at Kentainers Company near Kabansora in Embakasi, Nairobi.
In an update issued Friday morning, Kenya Red Cross said 271 persons had been evacuated from the scene and rushed to various hospitals within the city.
“The concerted actions of various response units have resulted in the successful evacuation of 271 individuals to different health facilities in Nairobi,” said the Kenya Red Cross.
An extra 27 individuals were attended to on-site.
Government Spokesman Isaac Mwaura also confirmed the incident saying workers were refilling gas cylinders when the explosion occurred.
“The company was refilling gas cylinders when the fire broke out and several people were injured and rushed to hospital. The building hosting the company is badly damaged. The cause of the fire remains unknown,” said Mwaura.
“Members of the public are advised to avoid the area as rescue operations are underway including fire engines being deployed to the area.”
“Preliminary data shows at least 165 people injured,” the Standard reported.
The Kenya Red Cross in an earlier statement said a multi-agency response force was at the scene and battling the flames.
Security Guard Arrested In Connection With Embakasi Gas Explosion
One person has been arrested in connection with the Thursday night fire incident that has so far left three people dead and nearly 300 injured.
The arrested man is reported to be the security guard of Dadols Gas Refill station, the epicenter of the explosion.
The guard was apprehended by detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
Three people have since been confirmed dead following the explosive fire incident that occurred in Embakasi’s Mradi area.
Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura said the deceased died while undergoing treatment.
Mwaura added that 222 others were injured and have been rushed to various hospitals as follows: 21 at the Kenyatta National Hospital and 160 at Mama Lucy General Hospital.
19 others are at Mbagathi Hospital, 14 at Modern Komarock Hospital, and 8 at Nairobi West Hospital.
“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 and textiles,” Mwaura noted in a statement.
Sakaja Announces Exemption Of Medical Fees
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has announced the exemption of medical fees for persons affected by the destructive fire that occurred in Embakasi on Thursday night.
In a statement on Friday, Sakaja, while sympathising with the affected, said the exemption of medical fees applies exclusively to public county hospitals.
“Currently, all County Health and Medical teams are also managing the situation and also working hand in hand with the County Disaster and Risk management teams who continue to provide the necessary support to the victims of the fire incident,” said Sakaja in the statement seen by Citizen Digital.
“The County Government has also waived all medical fees at the County facilities attending to the injured and bereaved. We have also mobilised relief items, in conjunction with other agencies, to ensure the comfort of all those affected.”
Two people have since been confirmed dead following the explosive fire incident that occurred in Embakasi’s Mradi area.
Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura said the duo died while undergoing treatment at the Nairobi West Hospital.
Mwaura added that 222 others were injured and have been rushed to various hospitals as follows: 21 at the Kenyatta National Hospital and 160 at Mama Lucy General Hospital.
19 others are at Mbagathi Hospital, 14 at Modern Komarock Hospital, and 8 at Nairobi West Hospital.
“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 and textiles,” Mwaura noted in a statement.
Credit: Source link