One person died and about 60 others were affected after a gas cylinder released fumes at a steel company in Athi River, Machakos County.
The incident occurred on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at Athi River Steel Limited, where workers were cutting gas cylinders delivered to the company as scrap.
According to police a trailer carrying about 41 bulk gas cylinders arrived at the company at around 2pm. The consignment was transported by an employee of Prime Path Transporters.
At around 4pm, a gas cutter identified began cutting one of the cylinders when it suddenly started emitting gas.
The fumes spread through the workplace, affecting about 60 employees who reportedly experienced choking and breathing difficulties.
The affected workers were rushed to Mutungoini Hospital in Athi River, where they received treatment. Most were treated and discharged, while two remained under medical observation.
One of those affected, identified as 49-year-old Harry Mwaighamba Mwapwaka, later succumbed to suspected suffocation. His body was moved to Shalom Funeral Home.
Police officers, detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and scene-of-crime personnel visited and secured the scene for further investigations.
Occupational health and safety officials were also contacted to assess the incident and advise on additional safety measures.
Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the gas leak, including how the cylinders were handled and the cause of the fatal exposure, are ongoing.
Police and other experts are expected to analyse the scene and give a report. The factory remained a scene of crime on Friday amid investigations, police said.
Elsewhere, police in Hamisi, Vihiga County, have arrested a man following the death of a woman who was allegedly assaulted with an electric wire.
The incident was reported on September 21, 2026, at around 12.25am by Makuchi Sub-location Assistant Chief Sin Chivel.
According to police, the deceased, identified only as Gladys, aged about 35, was found dead at a homestead in Musunji Sub-location.
Preliminary investigations indicated that Gladys had allegedly been involved in a relationship with her brother-in-law. Police said the relationship had resulted in a dispute with her husband.
The husband is alleged to have assaulted Gladys using an electric wire on September 21.
Police officers who visited the scene found the woman’s body lying on her back and covered with a blanket. A physical examination revealed injury marks on various parts of her body.
He was arrested and placed in police custody pending further investigations and arraignment in court.
The electric wire allegedly used in the assault was recovered and preserved as an exhibit.
The body was moved to Mbale Mortuary pending a postmortem examination to establish the cause of death.
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