Two people have been confirmed dead while undergoing treatment at Nairobi West Hospital following an explosion that rocked the Mradi area in Embakasi, Nairobi.
According to Government Spokesman Isaac Mwaura, 222 others were injured and rushed to various hospitals, 21 at the Kenyatta National Hospital and 160 at Mama Lucy General Hospital.
Speaking in a statement on Friday, he said 19 others are at Mbagathi Hospital, 14 at Modern Komarock Hospital, and eight 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 says.
Additionally, the fire damaged several vehicles and commercial properties, including many small and medium-sized businesses.
Residential houses in the neighborhood also caught fire, with many residents still inside.
“The government sends its most sincere condolences to the families of the departed souls. The Government is in the process of doing everything possible within its means, to assist the victims of the fire incident and also to help restore normalcy in the affected area.”
Additionally, he has revealed that the scene of the deadly fire has been secured, and a command center is in place to help coordinate rescue operations and other intervention efforts.
“Kenyans are hereby advised to keep off the cordoned area in order to allow the rescue mission to be carried out minimal disruptions,” he added.
