The incident has left several individuals injured and raised concerns about industrial safety in the area.
Authorities confirmed that the victims were found during ongoing search and recovery operations conducted by firefighters and emergency response teams working tirelessly to account for all employees who were inside the factory at the time of the blaze.
Eyewitnesses reported that the fire was triggered by an explosion from gas pipes, which quickly ignited nearby heaters and caused the fire to spread rapidly throughout the building.
“It was an explosion from gas pipes inside the building, and the heaters inside the factory ignited the fire, spreading it fast,” one witness said.
Several victims were admitted to Thika Level 5 Hospital for treatment. Four patients sustained injuries, with one critically injured individual referred to Kenyatta National Hospital for specialized care.
Several victims were admitted to Thika Level 5 Hospital for treatment. Four patients sustained injuries, with one critically injured individual referred to Kenyatta National Hospital for specialized care.
Two patients who had been previously treated were discharged after recovery.
The fire also affected first responders. Three firefighters were injured while battling the blaze and were treated at Thika Level 5 Hospital before being discharged.
The fire also affected first responders. Three firefighters were injured while battling the blaze and were treated at Thika Level 5 Hospital before being discharged.
The Kiambu County Fire Department led initial response efforts, which were later supported by the Murang’a County fire brigade, allowing the teams to contain the fire and conduct recovery operations.
The blaze caused extensive damage to the factory, leaving much of the property beyond salvage. Thick smoke and intense flames hampered early firefighting efforts, highlighting the challenges faced by emergency teams in industrial fire scenarios.
One firefighter urged industrial facility owners to prioritize safety measures such as emergency exits to protect workers during future incidents.
The blaze caused extensive damage to the factory, leaving much of the property beyond salvage. Thick smoke and intense flames hampered early firefighting efforts, highlighting the challenges faced by emergency teams in industrial fire scenarios.
One firefighter urged industrial facility owners to prioritize safety measures such as emergency exits to protect workers during future incidents.
“I would like to urge industrial owners to install emergency exit doors so that in case of any danger, the workers have a way out,” he emphasized.
The fire at the Makongeni factory is a stark reminder of the safety risks in industrial operations, particularly in factories that handle flammable materials and gases.
The fire at the Makongeni factory is a stark reminder of the safety risks in industrial operations, particularly in factories that handle flammable materials and gases.
Experts note that regular safety audits, fire drills, and the installation of proper emergency exits are critical to minimizing casualties in such disasters.
Investigations into the incident are ongoing, with authorities working to determine the exact cause of the explosion and fire.
Investigations into the incident are ongoing, with authorities working to determine the exact cause of the explosion and fire.
Factory management has yet to release a statement regarding the tragedy, as rescue teams continue to search for any remaining missing personnel.
This tragedy comes at a time when workplace safety regulations in Kenya are under scrutiny, with repeated calls for stricter enforcement to prevent accidents in industrial facilities.
This tragedy comes at a time when workplace safety regulations in Kenya are under scrutiny, with repeated calls for stricter enforcement to prevent accidents in industrial facilities.
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