City Affairs

Three killed, over 200 injured in Embakasi explosion

By Dennis Tarus | Friday, February 2, 2024

At least three people were killed and over 200 injured after an explosion at a gas plant in Embakasi, Nairobi on Thursday night, Deputy Inspector-General (DIG) of the Kenya Police Service Douglas Kanja has confirmed.

The scene of the gas explosion in Mradi Area, Embakasi East on February 2, 2024.

Keep reading

According to Government Spokesman Isaac Mwaura, the company was refilling gas cylinders when the fire broke out.

"The injured have been rushed to various hospitals as follows: 21 at the Kenyatta National Hospital, 160 at Mama Lucy General Hospital, 19 at Mbagathi Hospital, 14 at Modern Komarock Hospital, and eight at Nairobi West Hospital. The scene has now been secured and a command centre is now in place to help coordinate rescue operations and other intervention efforts," he said.

Firefighters at the scene of an explosion at a makeshift gas cylinder refilling depot in Mradi estate, Embakasi district of Nairobi. (Photo: Reuters)

"The Government also 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 inferno further damaged several vehicles and commercial properties, including many small and medium-sized businesses.

Some residential houses in the neighbourhood also caught fire.

The aftermarth of the gas explosion in Mradi Area, Embakasi East on February 2, 2024.

Members of the public have been advised to avoid the area as rescue operations are underway including fire engines being deployed to the area.

"The concerted actions of various response units have resulted in the successful evacuation of 271 individuals to different health facilities in Nairobi," the Kenya Red Cross said Friday, adding that an additional 27 people were treated on site.