On February 1, at 11:30 PM, an explosion occurred at a gas plant in the Mradi area of Embakasi, resulting in at least three fatalities and...
On February 1, at 11:30 PM, an explosion occurred at a gas plant in the Mradi area of Embakasi, resulting in at least three fatalities and close to 300 injuries. Following this incident, the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) issued an official statement, declaring that the gas plant was operating illegally. The company had attempted to obtain permits three times in 2023—on March 19, June 20, and July 31—unsuccessfully due to its failure to meet stringent safety standards, exacerbated by the high population density around the plant’s location in Embakasi.
“Applications for construction permits for a LPG storage and filling plant at the site were received by EPRA on March 19, June 20, and July 31 2023. All applications were rejected as they did not meet the set criteria for an LPG storage and filling plant in that area.”
The EPRA said.
The Aftermath
The Thursday night’s explosion sent a massive fireball into the sky over the Kenyan Capital. Other than lives lost and injuries, the fire also caused extensive damage to a nearby textile warehouse and properties. Reportedly, the force of the explosion was so strong that it sent a car wreckage flying into the roof of a house several buildings away from the site of the explosion. The fire also torched several other cars, burning them into ashes.
Why was the Embakasi Gas Plant Operational?
Interestingly, the EPRA further stated their role in demolishing illegally-operating plants across the country. Yet the Embakasi plant was operational for at least a year since applying for a license, yet the EPRA failed to stop its operations. Why then are they only now doing their job after the ugly aftermath of the fatal explosion? Furthermore, did corruption play a part in the Embakasi gas plant operating illegally?
“Surveillance and enforcement actions are taken including demolishing illegal plants operating across the country and curbing malpractice in the sector.”
The EPRA iterated their responsibility, sadly a little bit too late.
By Vivian K.
The post EPRA DISCLOSES ILLEGAL OPERATION OF EMBAKASI GAS PLANT IN EXPLOSION appeared first on BNN.
