Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Africanews
Published on 2024-02-02 10:06:58
A gas explosion at an industrial building in Kenya’s capital has resulted in the tragic deaths of at least two people and injured 200 others, with a fiery smoke plume rising over homes early Friday. The explosions occurred in the Embakasi neighbourhood, and as of 4:30 a.m., the deaths of an adult and a minor have been confirmed. However, the toll may rise as the day breaks, according to Wesley Kimeto, the police chief for the area.
The incident occurred when a company was refilling gas cylinders, resulting in a fire that caused extensive damage to the building where the company was based, as reported by government spokesman Isaac Mwaura. The fire started around midnight, and firefighters were still working to put out the flames that had spread to nearby warehouses on Friday morning. At present, the initial cause of the fire remains unknown.
Disturbing videos taken by Nairobi residents on their phones captured the intensity of the fire, with individuals expressing concern and panic in their voices. The fact that the industrial company is located near residences has raised questions regarding the enforcement of city plans and regulations. In particular, there are allegations that officials at the county government have been accepting bribes to overlook building codes and regulations.
This tragic incident in Nairobi serves as a reminder of the importance of strict enforcement of safety regulations in industrial areas. The loss of lives and injuries that occurred as a result of the gas explosions highlight the need for thorough inspections and oversight to prevent such disasters from happening in the future.
The devastating impact of the explosions on the local community cannot be understated. The loss of life and the large number of injuries have undoubtedly left a profound impact on the affected individuals and their families. Additionally, the damage to the industrial building and nearby warehouses will have consequences for local businesses and the economy as a whole.
As the authorities continue to investigate the cause of the fire and assess the extent of the damage, it is imperative that steps are taken to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. This includes a thorough review of safety protocols and building codes, as well as an examination of the potential role of corruption in compromising these regulations.
Ultimately, the focus must be on ensuring the safety and well-being of the residents of Nairobi and addressing any systemic issues that may have contributed to this tragedy. Swift and decisive action is needed to prevent such incidents in the future and to hold those responsible for negligence or corruption to account. The people of Nairobi deserve nothing less.
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