The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory body (EPRA) has clarified details about the Mradi gas site in Embakasi that left three dead and scores injured after a deadly explosion on Thursday November 1, 2024, night.
In a February 2,2024 statement, the regulatory board revealed the specific dates it received the applications for constructions of the site.
However, the regulatory body said that all applications of the company were rejected as they did not meet the set criteria for an LPG storage and filling plant in that area.
“Applications for construction permits for a Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) storage and filling plant at the site were received by EPRA on 19th March 2023, 20th June 2023, and 31st July 2023,” the statement read in part.
Additionally, EPRA noted that the main reason for the rejection was failure of the proposed site to meet the safety distances stipulated in the Kenya Standard.
EPRA makes clarifications
The safety concerns, according to the body, were raised due to the proposed site being in an area with a significant high population density.
EPRA noted, “The applicant was requested to submit a Qualitative Risk Assessment (QRA) clearly indicating the radiation blast profiles in the unfortunate case of an explosion like the one that happened yesterday.”
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Blast profiles, according to the regulatory body, are simulated by use of computer software.
The profiles which are useful in reviewing the safety of the surrounding areas of a proposed site, indicate the effect of a typical blast in terms of heat radiation and tremor/vibration.
On its part, EPRA noted that the applicant of the site never provided the requested QRA, which resulted in the rejection of the applications.
Also, the energy regulatory body listed safety measures it undertakes to ensure safety of all LPG plants in the country.
“The formulated short and medium-term measures include actions such as undertaking detailed technical audits of all licensed LPG plants in the country with the objective of ensuring high safety integrity status in terms of Health, Safety, Security and Environment (HSSE),” said EPRA.
Additionally, the body highlighted that administrative actions are always taken to ensure that operating licenses for all plants rated below the high safety integrity status are revoked.
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This also involves taking surveillance and enforcement actions, which includes demolishing illegal plants operating across the country.
Deadly explosion
At least three people have since been declared dead following the huge fire that broke out after a huge gas explosion at the Mradi area in Embakasi around 11:30 pm on Thursday.
According to a statement by government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura, the explosion happened after a lorry loaded with gas exploded, igniting a huge ball of fire that spread widely.
Following the ignition, the report said that a flying gas cylinder hit Oriental Godown, burning down the said Godown which deals with garments and textiles.
Officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have since arrested one suspect linked to the fire as they continued to assess the scene.
Further, the officers confirmed that more than 300 were left nursing various injuries and wounds.
