NAIROBI Kenya, February 2- At least two people died on Friday February 2 following an explosion that rocked Mradi area in Embakasi, Nairobi that also left 222 others injured.
In a statement, the Government Spokesman Isaac Mwaura said the two died while undergoing treatment at the Nairobi West Hospital.
Mwaura said 21 of the injured persons are being treated at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) while 160 others at Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital.
Nineteen others were admitted at Mbagathi Hospital, 14 at Modern Komarock Hospital, and 8 others at Nairobi West Hospital, according to the spokesman.
Mwaura however said the explosion did not take place in a gas refilling plant as reported earlier.
“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 said in a statement.
Consequently, the inferno further damaged several vehicles and commercial properties, including business premises.
Residential houses in the neighborhood also caught fire, with a good number of residents still inside.
“The government sends its sincerest 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.”
The scene has been secured and a command center put 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,” the statement added.
Want to send us a story? Contact Shahidi News Tel: +254115512797 (Mobile & WhatsApp)