The government has issued a list of hospitals where victims of the Embakasi gas explosion have been admitted.
In a statement, Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura revealed that three lives had been lost due to the fire tragedy.
Mwaura announced that 280 Kenyans were injured by the fire, and were rushed to various hospitals.
43 victims have been admitted at the Kenyatta National Hospital, 14 at Kenyatta University 157 at Mama Lucy General Hospital, 18 at Modern Komarock Hospital, 21 at Garrison Hospital, eight at Metropolitan, eight at Nairobi West Hospital, two at Radiant Hospital, one at Pendo Hospital, three at AAR and four at Nairobi Hospital.
Mwaura also announced that the government had set up a command centre to coordinate rescue efforts, asking Kenyans to avoid the cordoned area for minimal disruptions.
He also said investigations are underway to determine the cause of the explosion at the company’s parking yard.
“The Government of Kenya wishes to confirm that yesterday Thursday 1st February 2024, at around 11:30 pm, there was a huge explosion at Mradi area, in Embakasi, Nairobi County. One Lorry of an unknown registration number that was loaded with gas cylinders exploded, igniting a huge ball of fire that spread widely, with one of the cylinders hitting garment and textile Oriental Godown, burning down,” Mwaura stated.
“Consequently, the inferno further damaged several vehicles and commercial properties, including many small and medium-sized businesses. 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, three fellow Kenyans have regrettably lost their lives while being attended to at the Nairobi West Hospital.”
Aid to Embakasi inferno victims
Mwaura also revealed that the government is actively aiding nine single mothers along with 21 children, currently seeking shelter at the Kenya School of Aviation.
“Collaborating with the Kenya Red Cross as the Nairobi County Government is dedicated to providing essential support, including food and non-food items, to those affected. Additionally, psychosocial counselling is being offered to victims who have experienced trauma at a counselling desk located near the Total Petrol Station. The public is urged to report any missing relatives at this designated desk,” he added.
