Number of Embakasi gas explosion fatalities increases
By Nyaboga KiageThe number of people who died following injuries sustained during a gas explosion that took place within the Mradi Area in Embakasi has risen to seven.
Government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura said that one person passed away on Tuesday, February 6, 2024, while undergoing treatment.
“The number of people who have died from the Embakasi Gas Explosion has risen to 7 Kenyans. The Government sends its sincerest condolences to the families of the departed,” Mr Mwaura said.
Already, the government has asked Kenyans to report any suspicious gas filling stations in their neighbourhoods.
The phone number that was issued to make such reports is 0203313004. The main aim of having the hotline is to avert future explosions similar to the one that was witnessed in Embakasi.
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On Monday, February 5, locals within the village claimed that there was a gas leakage from the same gas filling station which caused panic across the estate.
However, Nairobi County police boss Adamson Bungei visited the gas filling plant and dismissed the claims as he asked members of the public to go on with their usual day-to-day activities.
“Today, we heard your concerns and we responded with immediate effect. We mobilized all teams involved particularly from EPRA to come and ensure that locals living here are safe. We have inspected the tanks that remained here and we can confirm that none of them has gas in them and all of them are empty. You are safe now,” he said.
On Tuesday night, February 6, 2024, seven individuals were left injured after a fire erupted in Kariobangi, Nairobi County.
The blaze originated from a fuel station and quickly spread to nearby structures, causing damage to property of unknown value before it was brought under control.
Firefighters utilised fire extinguishers on a fuel lorry stationed at the newly opened facility to extinguish the flames.
The victims were rushed to the Mama Margaret Uhuru Hospital-KNH in Mathare North, Ruaraka Sub-County, where they were treated and discharged with minor burns, police said.