Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Africanews
Published on 2024-02-02 12:04:30
Early on Friday morning, Kenyan firefighters were still working to hose down a warehouse in Nairobi after a vehicle loaded with gas exploded, causing a massive fire that spread to nearby homes, vehicles, and businesses. The Assistant Inspector General of Police revised the death toll to at least 3 fatalities, with around 270 people injured.
“We have around 271 people who are admitted in various hospitals in Nairobi. With Mama Lucy (hospital) having the bulk, 140 are there. The rest of the resident hospitals have various numbers, 21 were treated on site and allowed to go back to their home. We have 3 fatalities, that is as at now.” the assistant inspector at the scene said.
The inferno started around 11:30 p.m. Thursday in the Mradi area of the Nairobi neighborhood of Embakasi. Many residents may have been inside their homes when the fire reached their houses. A local MP expressed concern that the death toll could rise.
“There is still a search going on of whether there are bodies which have been burnt in various houses and we are asking Kenyans to pray for us,” Babu Owino, MP Embakasi East said. “This is a time when we are saddened by such an incident. It has never occurred before.”
The explosion of a truck loaded with gas ignited a huge fireball, and a flying gas cylinder set off the fire that burned down the Oriental Godown, a warehouse that deals with garments and textiles.
The devastating impact of the fire was felt by the entire community. The Assistant Inspector General of Police’s update on the death toll and number of injured individuals reflects the severity of the situation. The injuries and fatalities highlight the immediate need for medical attention and support. The local MP’s plea for prayers and the ongoing search for potential victims demonstrate the widespread concern and impact of this tragic event.
The emergency response required the efforts of Kenyan firefighters who worked tirelessly to contain the fire and prevent further damage. The destructive force of the explosion and resulting fire illustrates the danger posed by incidents of this nature. The loss of life, injuries, and destruction of property have deeply affected the residents of Embakasi and the broader Nairobi community.
The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the potential risks associated with the transportation and storage of hazardous materials. It also underscores the importance of emergency preparedness and response measures to mitigate the impact of such events.
As the community begins the process of recovery and reconstruction, support from local authorities, emergency response agencies, and the broader public will be essential. Efforts to address the immediate needs of the injured and affected individuals, as well as initiatives to enhance safety protocols and prevent similar incidents in the future, will be critical in the aftermath of this tragedy.
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