A survivor of the explosion at Mradi area in Embakasi that has since claimed 2 lives and 222 casualties, has recounted the final moments of the incident.
Speaking to the press, the survivor intimated that he slept at around 11:00 pm before the explosion occurred. The impact caused panic among the locals with some embarking on a frantic search for their relatives and neighbours engulfed in the flames.
The survivor, who had visible scalds on his body, pointed out that he could not locate his two children whom he last saw before the explosion.
"We were sound asleep. We just heard a loud explosion. I don't even know where my children are. They are aged 3 years and 11 years," the survivor cried.
Another lady also lamented that she was yet to find her husband who was also caught up in the flames. A third survivor further narrated how his efforts to save a family were futile after the mother rushed back to save her children, only to be caught in a second explosion.
The public has since raised questions over the measures employed by the government to deal with such disasters. However, a section of Kenyans criticised it for allowing the gas filling plant to operate in a residential area.
Government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura, who is yet to address the growing concerns, stated that two people died and over 200 are nursing injuries.
Mwaura attributed the explosion to a lorry of an unknown registration number that was loaded with gas.
"A flying gas cylinder hit Oriental Godown, burning down the said godown which deals with garments and textiles. Consequently, the inferno further damaged several vehicles and commercial properties, including many small and medium-sized businesses," Mwaura stated.
"Sadly, residential houses in the neighbourhood also caught fire, with a good number of residents still inside as it was late at night."
He advised the public to keep off the area to allow the rescue mission to be conducted with minimal disruptions.
"The government wishes to thank all the institutions such as the National Police, Nairobi County Government, the Kenya Redcross, St. John’s Ambulance and Kenyans of goodwill for their quick response," he added.
Those affected were rushed to Mama Lucy Hospital and Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) for medical treatment. Following the incident, Nairobi woman representative Esther Passaris appealed to Kenyans to donate blood for the affected victims.
"More than 300 factory workers and residents were affected. Please visit Mama Lucy, KNH or the nearest hospital to donate blood. My thoughts and prayers are with the families that have lost their loved ones in this unprecedented tragedy," Passaris noted.
