THIKA – Rescue teams have pulled two more bodies from the smouldering ruins of a Thika mattress factory, bringing the grim reality of Thursday's inferno into sharp focus for the industrial town. The fire also left several workers and firefighters injured, turning a regular workday into a scene of devastation.

The blaze, which eyewitnesses claim started with an explosion from gas pipes ignited by heaters, tore through the Thika Bebe Hope factory with terrifying speed. This tragedy not only highlights the immediate loss of life and livelihoods but also casts a harsh spotlight on industrial safety protocols, questioning how a typical morning could spiral into a multi-million shilling disaster.

Thick, black smoke billowed over the Makongeni area as the highly flammable materials inside the factory fed the flames, causing extensive damage to the property. "We were seated right here when we heard workers from the factory leaving it, screaming," recounted eyewitness Julius Maina. "The next thing we saw were badly burnt people whom we rushed to the hospital."

A Desperate Battle Against the Blaze

The intensity of the fire presented a formidable challenge for first responders. Initial efforts by the Kiambu County Fire Department were quickly overwhelmed, necessitating backup from the Murang'a County fire brigade. In total, more than seven fire engines were deployed to battle the inferno.

The human cost of the emergency response became clear as officials confirmed several firefighters were injured during the operation.

• Fatalities: At least two bodies have been recovered from the site.
• Injured Workers: Four victims were admitted to Thika Level 5 Hospital, with one patient suffering from severe burns referred to Kenyatta National Hospital for specialized care.
• Injured Firefighters: Three firefighters were treated for injuries at Thika Level 5 Hospital and have since been discharged.

Calls for Stricter Safety Mount

In the aftermath, questions are mounting over the factory's safety measures. One firefighter at the scene urged industrial owners to install proper emergency exits to ensure workers have a clear escape route. Local leaders, including Kiambu Deputy Speaker John Njiru, who visited the scene, echoed these concerns, calling for strict adherence to fire safety regulations to prevent future tragedies.

While investigations into the precise cause of the fire are now underway, the incident serves as a painful reminder of the risks faced by industrial workers. For the community in Thika, the focus now shifts to supporting the bereaved families and praying for the recovery of the injured, as the full economic and social impact of the factory's destruction begins to unfold.