Government reveals the cause of the Embakasi Night fire

The government has provided additional details regarding the fire incident in Embakasi that resulted in two casualties.

Government Spokesman Isaac Mwaura reported on Friday that a lorry carrying gas cylinders exploded in Embakasi, Nairobi, around 11:30 pm on Thursday.

The explosion caused a massive fireball that engulfed the area. A flying gas cylinder hit the Oriental Godown nearby, destroying it. The godown specialized in garments and textiles, and the inferno damaged several vehicles, commercial properties, and small to medium-sized businesses.

The fire extended to residential houses, impacting numerous residents who were still indoors due to the late-night timing of the incident.

Regrettably, two Kenyans lost their lives during treatment at Nairobi West Hospital, and condolences were conveyed to their families on behalf of the Kenya Kwanza administration.

In terms of injuries, 222 Kenyans were affected, with 21 at Kenyatta National Hospital, 160 at Mama Lucy General Hospital, 19 at Mbagathi Hospital, 14 at Modern Komarock Hospital, and eight at Nairobi West Hospital.

Mwaura confirmed that the scene had been secured, and a command center was established to coordinate rescue operations and interventions effectively. The government appreciated the prompt response from various institutions, including the National Police, Nairobi County Government, Kenya Red Cross, St. John’s Ambulance, and well-meaning Kenyans.

Citizens were urged to stay away from the sealed-off area to facilitate rescue missions with minimal disruptions. The government assured that it was deploying all available resources to aid the victims and restore normalcy in the affected region.