A survivor of a suspected Al-Shabaab terrorist attack in Elwak Town, Mandera County has recounted the last moments before the deadly explosion.
The survivor, while speaking to the press, noted that five of his colleagues passed on following the explosion which caught him and seven other colleagues off guard, resulting in the passing on of five of them.
According to him, an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) exploded at an area where he frequented for work alongside his peers.
“We had woken up in the morning to go and look for work where we usually go. When we arrived at the area at about 7:30 am, we didn’t know there was an explosive planted,” he narrated.
The survivor further revealed how the unexpected explosion caught them off-guard as they were left lying on the ground after the blast.
Survivor of Elwak Blast speaks
“Out of nowhere we just found ourselves lying down on the ground, all seven of us. Five passed on while two of us were left nursing serious injuries. I am one of the survivors,” he added.
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The explosion was reported as a suspected terrorist attack on Monday, April 29, 2024, morning with reports indicating that an IED was planted near the Administration Police (AP) post in Elwak town’s Central Business District (CBD).
As a result, businesses in the vicinity including banks announced the suspension of operations as security officers launched investigations into the matter.
Among the affected businesses was Equity Bank which in a statement confirmed the safety of its staff and closure of business.
“Dear Esteemed Members, we regret to inform you that our Elwak Branch, Mandera County will remain closed today following an explosion in Elwak Town. “We confirm that our branch and the staff in Elwak are safe,” the statement read in part.
Kenya Red Cross Emergency preparedness manager Major (Rtd) Venant Ndighila while speaking to the press said that the blast triggered a subsequent serious road accident.
“We received the reports of an explosion in Elwak town, which was followed subsequently by a serious road accident close to the vicinity.
This incident escalated very quickly because of the level and number of injuries which were involved in the two incidents which happened almost simultaneously,” he said.
Casualties airlifted
According to him, the local Red Cross Team rushed to the scene to stabilize the situation in collaboration with other agencies.
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Together with the help of the local health facilities, the team tried to manage the casualties and administer first aid.
Ndighila further indicated that the team realized that some of the casualties could not be handled by the local hospitals as they were in critical condition.
“They required further referral. We activated The Kenya Red Cross evacuation system which includes air evacuation. Four of the victims with critical injuries were airlifted to Nairobi,” he said.
The Ministry of Interior on its part noted that adequate response had been mobilized to respond to the tragedy.
According to the Ministry, the explosive unleashed by the criminals was laden on a donkey cart to conceal the perpetrators” intentions.
“The crime scene has been sealed off for evacuation and investigations while various security formations are in pursuit of the attackers,” the statement read.
Further, the Ministry appealed to the Public to assist law enforcement agencies with information to ensure the complete rollback against criminal elements.
The attack came a month after six other Kenyans lost their lives in March following a suspected Al-Shabab Terrorist attack on Good Friday in Dhobley, a town located at the Kenya-Somalia Border.
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