At least one person has died while five others sustained serious injuries after a devastating fire broke out at a mattress-making factory in Makongeni, Thika Town, Kiambu County, on Wednesday morning.
According to eyewitnesses and local authorities, the fire erupted at around 10:00 a.m., quickly spreading through the factory due to highly flammable materials used in mattress production. Thick black smoke billowed into the sky as flames engulfed the structure, triggering panic among workers and nearby residents.
Emergency responders rushed to the scene after residents raised the alarm. The injured victims were rescued from the burning building and rushed to hospitals in Thika and surrounding areas, where they are receiving treatment. Sadly, one worker was pronounced dead at the scene.
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Firefighters deployed multiple fire engines in an effort to contain the inferno, which had already destroyed machinery, raw materials, and finished products worth millions of shillings. Containment efforts were hampered by the intensity of the blaze and fears of possible gas explosions within the premises.
Preliminary reports indicate that a suspected gas leak may have accelerated the spread of the fire, though authorities have stressed that the exact cause is yet to be established. Investigations have since been launched to determine what triggered the incident.
Local leaders who visited the scene expressed concern over recurring fire incidents in industrial areas, calling for stricter enforcement of safety standards and improved fire-fighting preparedness.
The incident adds to a growing list of industrial fires reported in the country, once again raising questions about workplace safety and emergency response readiness.
