This archive report was first published on 13 November 2019.
Published on November 13, 2019, Mombasa Hospital has been indefinitely closed after a devastating gas tank explosion caused a fire that forced patients to be evacuated.
According to the Coast Police Regional Security Commander Rashid Yakub, the fire started when a gas tank exploded in the hospital's kitchen area, spreading quickly.
“Mtungi wa gesi ulilipuka katika sehemu ya jikoni ya hospitali hio na kisha kusambaa,” Commander Yakub said.
Fortunately, all patients were safely evacuated and transferred to other hospitals, including Pandya, Aga Khan, Premier, and Coast General. The Kenya Red Cross reported that 20 patients were transferred to the various hospitals.
Police cordoned off the area as families of those hospitalized and curious onlookers gathered nearby.
The Mombasa Hospital management has stated that none of the workers or patients were injured during the incident.
County Governor Hassan Joho praised the firefighters and hospital staff for their swift response, saying, “My sympathies go to patients who were admitted at Mombasa hospital at the time fire broke out. Thanks to firefighters from different units who responded on time to contain the situation. To hospital staff and good samaritans, asanteni for the speedy evacuation of patients,” on Twitter.
