Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has spoken after a midnight inferno that rocked the Mradi area in Embakasi, Nairobi claimed three lives and left several others injured.
Speaking to the media at Kentainers Company near Kabansora in Embakasi, where the blast happened, Babu expressed the magnitude of the tragedy.
“The fire destroyed properties, so many houses and businesses have been destroyed. A lot has happened. This is a great incident that has taken us back because people have lost lives, over 270 people are at different hospitals and nearby dispensaries,” Babu expressed
Adding;
“There is still a search going on to find any missing bodies in various houses. And we are asking Kenyans to pray for us. We are asking for your prayers as Embakasi East residents after an explosion that consumed several lives and brought over 300 people to hospitals with serious injuries.”
Cause of Embakasi inferno
The government has attributed the source of the blast to a truck that detonated, triggering a massive fireball that engulfed a nearby warehouse.
“One lorry with 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. Consequently, the inferno further damaged several vehicles and commercial properties, including many small and medium-sized businesses,” Mwaura said in a statement.
The fire spread to the neighbouring residential areas, and so far, three deaths have been confirmed by the state.
“Sadly, residential houses in the neighbourhood 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 statement added.