embakasi-news – Ghafla!

LPG Tanker Explodes In Embakasi (Photo)

Posted on June 4, 2024 by Dennis Elnino

A large explosion rocked Fedha yesterday, engulfing the area in flames and thick black smoke.

Witnesses reported a massive fireball erupting, followed by a plume of smoke rising high above the buildings. The scale of the disaster became clear from a distance, with dark smoke creating a dramatic and concerning scene over the residential and commercial areas.

Thankfully, no casualties have been reported so far, though two individuals were injured. The fire’s close proximity to populated areas caused immediate concern for resident safety and potential further damage.

Shaken residents gathered near the railway tracks close to the explosion site. Some watched the towering inferno, capturing footage on their phones or simply stunned into silence.

Firefighters arrived quickly and are working to extinguish the flames and prevent further spread. Authorities will provide updates on the injured individuals and firefighting progress as the situation develops.

Gas Explosion Death Toll Rises To 7 In Embakasi, Government Calls For Vigilance

Posted on February 7, 2024 by Dennis Elnino

One more individual has succumbed to injuries sustained in the Mradi area gas explosion in Embakasi, bringing the tragic death toll to seven. In a statement on February 6th, the Government Spokesperson offered condolences to the affected families and urged Kenyans to report illegal gas filling stations.

Government Response

Spokesperson Cyrus Mwaura expressed the government’s sincere condolences to the families of the deceased.

He emphasized the importance of reporting illegal gas stations to the dedicated hotline (020 3313004) to prevent future tragedies.

Mwaura assured that reported information will be used to take necessary actions and avoid similar incidents.

Investigation and Arrests

Police continue their manhunt for five suspects linked to the illegal gas refilling facility.

These individuals include the site manager, two NEMA officials, and two drivers.

Public assistance is requested to locate them.

The site owner and three NEMA officials have already been arrested.

NEMA Actions

Four NEMA officials involved in licensing the plant have been asked to step aside pending investigation.

The NEMA board chair, Emilio Mugo, acknowledged “serious gaps” in the licensing process and promised appropriate action.

This tragedy highlights the dangers of illegal gas facilities and the importance of collective action to prevent them. By reporting such operations and cooperating with authorities, Kenyans can help ensure the safety of their communities.

Embakasi Gas Explosion Investigation Progresses With Owner’s Surrender

Posted on February 6, 2024 by Dennis Elnino

One of the individuals linked to the Embakasi gas plant explosion has surrendered to the authorities. Derrick Kimathi, accompanied by his lawyer, presented himself to the police station for questioning. Investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the tragedy and hold those responsible accountable.

Derrick Kimathi, one of the owners of the involved premises, has surrendered to the police.
Police are still pursuing other suspects, including Kimathi’s partner and the truck driver.
Investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the explosion and potential legal violations.

Kimathi, through his lawyer previously refuted claims that the gas plant was operating illegally clarifying that it was operating as a garage.

“Our client had not been operating a gas filling operation on that premises. The premises, for the last few years, has been operating as a garage and until Thursday, it was still operating as a garage. The motor vehicle that caused this incident was trespassing into this property without his knowledge and consent,” his lawyer told the press.

Embakasi Residents Evacuate as Precaution After Gas Leak Concerns

Posted on February 5, 2024 by Dennis Elnino

On Monday, February 5, 2024, residents of Mradi Village in Embakasi, Nairobi County, evacuated their homes as a precautionary measure due to concerns about a potential gas leak. This incident occurred just days after a devastating gas explosion in the same area that claimed six lives and injured over 300 people.

Nairobi County’s Disaster Management Chief Officer, Bramwell Simiyu, reassured the public that the area was quickly secured after reports of the potential leak. Authorities are currently investigating the source of theconcerns and ensuring the safety of residents in the area.

The explosion is linked to illegal LPG refilling and storage operations, highlighting the dangerous disregard for safety standards and legal requirements in such facilities.

The situation was further complicated by the revelation that the site had previously been condemned by Epra and demolished twice for operating illegally, with the owner charged in March 2023.

Despite this, operations continued, underscoring the challenge of combating illegal and unsafe practices in such critical sectors.

President William ruto called for accountability of the situation to ensure such disasters do not recur.

Gas Explosion Investigation Deepens In Embakasi As Residents Recovers From Tragedy

Posted on February 2, 2024 by Dennis Elnino

The aftermath of the devastating gas explosion in Embakasi, Nairobi, continues to unfold as authorities intensify their investigation and the city strives to support affected families.

Focus on Security Breach

The arrest of the watchman guarding the gas-laden lorry marks a crucial step in the investigation. Further scrutiny falls on two mechanics allegedly repairing a car near the site despite warnings about gas leaks. Their actions are being investigated as a potential contributor to the fatal explosion.

The incident has triggered a city-wide crackdown on illegal gas activities. Three individuals have already been apprehended for unauthorized gas transfers from trucks to cylinders, highlighting the urgent need for stricter regulations and enforcement.

Nairobi Offers Medical Aid

Governor Johnson Sakaja announced that the Nairobi County government will waive all medical fees for those injured in the fire. This vital support aims to ease the financial burden on families already grappling with the tragedy.

Beyond medical assistance, a wave of solidarity has emerged. Nairobi Woman Rep Esther Passaris cut her parliamentary engagements short to visit affected families and appealed for blood donations for the injured. Senator Edwin Sifuna and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino were also present, demonstrating the unified approach to recovery.

Moving Forward

As the investigation progresses, the focus remains on assisting the victims and preventing future tragedies. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of adhering to safety protocols and implementing stricter regulations for gas handling and storage. Through comprehensive investigations, community support, and a renewed commitment to safety, Nairobi can begin to heal and emerge stronger from this devastating event.

Usiku kama mchana! Actress Gloria Moraa describes her horrifying experience of the gas explosion in Embakasi

Posted on February 2, 2024 by Ozymandias

It was a night of terror in Embakasi, a suburb of Nairobi, as explosions rocked a gas-filling plant around midnight on February 1, 2024. The plant is situated in a densely populated residential area, including informal settlements and adjacent to Nyayo Estate.

Various residents near the explosion site have been sharing their harrowing experiences, including renowned actress Gloria Moraa, known for her role in the long-running local television show, Tahidi High.

According to Moraa, the magnitude of the explosion and the sounds emitted made her initially think it was the second coming of Christ. She recounted the chaos as people ran in panic, with women, men, and children of all ages trying to reach safety. The night appeared to turn into day, creating a traumatic scene.

“We are running all over trying to call each other; it was helter-skelter. Women, men, kids of all ages from 0… it was traumatizing. My feet are still shaking from the ordeal. The pain of seeing women holding babies, some without clothes, others in vests only, was something else. I haven’t slept a wink. Others slept outside. May God be with the affected families. It is sad,” Moraa narrated.

According to the Government Spokesperson, the explosion resulted from a gas tank on an unregistered lorry igniting and exploding. A flying gas cylinder fell into a go-down dealing in garments and textiles, causing a massive fireball. The inferno damaged numerous vehicles, commercial properties, and residential houses in the vicinity. Regrettably, two individuals lost their lives while being attended to at Nairobi West Hospital, and 222 others sustained injuries and were rushed to various hospitals.

The explosion is reportedly linked to an alleged illegal gas refilling plant located at the site of the tragedy.