A recent article by the Washington Post discusses the explosion at an illegal natural gas station in Kenya’s capital, Nairobi. The explosion occurred on February 1, killing at least three individuals and injuring 280 others. The event reveals the risk of unlicensed gas plants. The cylinders filled with cooking gas caught fire around 11:30 p.m. and quickly spread to factories and homes around the Mradi neighborhood.
Zainab Said, a local resident in the neighborhood, recalls experiencing a sharp heat in her body before passing out. Everylyne Simiyu described hearing a big explosion followed by smaller ones. The individuals were just two of the dozens impacted by the disaster. The local health facility, Kenyatta National Hospital, received 45 patients throughout the day—nine of whom were in critical condition.
The exploded Embakasi plant was simply one of the many illegal stations being used in the district. These plants, considered a cheaper alternative to real gas canisters, come from illegal vendors, and lack adherence to basic safety protocols. To prevent future disasters, public health officials should carefully monitor where such plants are being used, and work with the local government to stop companies from buying these dangerous filling plants.
by Avanthi Krishnan