Nairobi County waives medical bills for Embakasi blast survivors 

The Nairobi City County Government has waived all medical fees in Nairobi County facilities to cater for the injured and bereaved victims of the gas explosion in Mradi Area, Embakasi East.

In a statement released on Friday, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja said all county government emergency response teams are currently on-site to provide necessary support.

"We have mobilised relief items in conjunction with other agencies to ensure the comfort of all those affected," Sakaja said.

He said all county health and medical teams are managing the situation and working hand in hand with the county disaster and risk management teams to provide support to the victims of the fire incident.

The aftermath of the gas explosion in Mradi Area, Embakasi East on February 2, 2024.

"We pray for the quick recovery of those who were injured and may the Almighty rest in peace the souls of those who lost their lives in this unfortunate incident," Sakaja said.

Casualties

At least three people were killed and over 200 injured in the explosion, Deputy Inspector-General (DIG) of the Kenya Police Service Douglas Kanja has confirmed.

Firefighters at the scene of an explosion at a makeshift gas cylinder refilling depot in Mradi estate, Embakasi district of Nairobi. (Photo: Reuters)

According to Government Spokesman Isaac Mwaura, a lorry carrying gas cylinders exploded igniting the fire.

"Yesterday (Thursday) at around 11:30 pm, there was a huge explosion at Mradi area, in Embakasi, Nairobi County. One Lorry loaded with gas exploded, igniting a huge ball of fire that spread widely," he said.

The injured were rushed to various hospitals as follows: 21 at the Kenyatta National Hospital, 160 at Mama Lucy General Hospital, 19 at Mbagathi Hospital, 14 at Modern Komarock Hospital, and eight at Nairobi West Hospital.

The scene of the gas explosion in Mradi Area, Embakasi East on February 2, 2024.

The scene has been secured and a command centre is now in place to help coordinate rescue operations and other intervention efforts.

"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."

Mwaura further revealed that a flying gas cylinder hit the Oriental Godown nearby, burning it down. The godown deals in garments and textiles.

The inferno has also damaged several vehicles and commercial properties, including many small and medium-sized businesses. Several residential houses were also caught by the fire.

In an updated statement by Sakaja at 11:42 am, 167 victims comprising 142 adults and 25 children have so far been treated at Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital.

"Of this, 143 have been treated and discharged, their conditions having been determined as stable by the doctors," Sakaja said.

Sakaja added that 24 patients who were critically injured had been rushed to different hospitals across the country.

17 have been referred to Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital, and seven to Kenyatta National Hospital.

"Mbagathi Hospital has received 35 patients, 15 of which were referred to KNH, and 20 were discharged as of 9 am," he said.