•KUTRRH has attended to 27 patients with eight having been discharged and 19 still under care, including three minors
•Among these, one patient is in critical condition due to severe burns and inhalation injuries
Image: EZEKIEL AMING'A
The death toll from the gas fire incident in Embakasi on Friday has now reached six, with three additional survivors succumbing to their injuries on Sunday.
Isaac Mwaura, the Government Spokesperson, provided the latest update, stating that several patients are still undergoing treatment at Kenyatta National Hospital and Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral, and Research Hospital.
KUTRRH has attended to 27 patients with eight having been discharged and 19 still under care, including three minors.
“Among these, one patient is in critical condition due to severe burns and inhalation injuries. Notably, an expectant mother and a four-year-old minor are also receiving necessary medical attention,” Mwaura said.
According to Mwaura, KNH has attended to 67 patients with 27 having been discharged, 34 still in the wards with six being in critical condition with severe burns.
The patients are undergoing a variety of treatments, including wound care, dressing changes, pain management, and consultations with physiotherapists for rehabilitation.
“The next phase of treatment involving skin grafts are expected to begin tomorrow. The hospital has received essential trauma kits from the World Health Organisation, aiding significantly in patient care,” Mwaura said.
The government spokesperson added that both hospitals are well-equipped and ready to provide dialysis services to patients.
This preparation stems from the anticipation of potential kidney conditions, as there is a close correlation between the skin and the kidneys, with both organs supporting each other in the disposal of bodily wastes.
The government said a lorry carrying gas cylinders exploded on Thursday night, leaving a trail of destruction after a huge fire spread to a nearby informal settlement.
President William Ruto has ordered the sacking of state officials accused of irregularly issuing licenses for the operation of a gas plant that resulted in an explosion on Friday morning.
Addressing the issue in Lugali on Saturday morning, Ruto attributed the incident to corruption, lack of integrity, and greed among government officials responsible for granting the license to the operator.
The Head of State directed that the Ministry of Energy should ensure the people implicated in the matter should vacate office with immediate effect and face charges for the offences committed.
Hours later, Four National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) officials were instructed to step aside amidst investigations into the issuance of the license to the Embakasi gas company.