Survivors of the late-night inferno in Embakasi, Nairobi, are still reeling from the shock of an unforeseen tragedy that claimed lives, wounded many and left properties destroyed. Three people died in the tragedy. The tragedy befell on the late evening of Thursday, February 1. Cause of Embakasi inferno The government said the fire started from an explosion from a lorry loaded with gas cylinders at Kentainers Company Ltd near Kabansora. It spread to the adjoining residential area. “One Lorry of an unknown registration number that was loaded with gas exploded, igniting a huge ball of fire that spread widely. A flying gas cylinder hit Oriental Godown, burning down the said godown which deals with garments and textiles,” the Kenyan government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura said. The victims revealed they were indoors when they heard an explosion outside; it was around 11:00pm. Embakasi fire survivors’ account Some of them were yet to discover their kin’s whereabouts as they were rushed to various hospitals within Nairobi. Live pictures showed some of the victims having sustained serious burns on the back, others on the arms and legs. The government confirmed three people died in the tragedy. Over 270 were admitted to hospitals, with those with non-severe burns getting discharged after treatment. Helping with the rescue at the scene were operatives from the National Police, Nairobi county government, the Kenya Red Cross, St. John’s Ambulance and other Kenyans of goodwill. The national government, whose agencies coordinated rescue operations from a command centre at the scene, promised to help the victims recover from the ravages of the tragedy. “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,”: said the spokesperson.
by Kai Eli