This archive report was first published on 6 May 2020.
On April 28, a 36-year-old man died in a car fire in Bururburu estate, Nairobi. An autopsy conducted on Tuesday revealed that Terrence Korir was alive and breathing when the fire started.
According to Chief Government pathologist Dr Johansen Oduor, the autopsy showed that Korir had plenty of soot in his respiratory system, indicating he was alive and took a long time in the car before he died.
Dr Oduor also stated that Korir's intestines were empty, suggesting he had not eaten for some time before his death.
Further, the autopsy revealed that Korir had more soot on his airways and around his lungs, indicating he was alive and breathing as he burnt.
Dr Oduor explained, 'He inhaled a lot of soot, an indication that he took a lot of time in the car before he died because we saw discolouration of tissues. This happens when you inhale more carbon monoxide.'
Police suspect suicide as the motive behind the incident, but have not ruled out arson. The detectives are working with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the Government Chemist, and fire experts to establish the cause of Korir's death.
