Mombasa Hospital denies gas cylinder e*******n led to Tuesday night fire o******k

The management of Mombasa Hospital in Kizingo has refuted reports that a gas cylinder explosion led to a fire outbreak that destroyed buildings and equipment worth millions of shillings on Tuesday night.

The medical facility’s deputy administrator, Dr. Samson Bebora, told K24 Digital that 68 patients, who were at the facility when the fire broke out, were safely evacuated and transferred to nearby hospitals, including Aga Khan, Pandya, Premier, Jocham and Coast General Hospital.

“Contrary to reports that the fire broke out after a gas cylinder exploded in the kitchen, I would like to confirm that the blaze started in the female ward. We are yet to know what caused it,” said Dr. Bebora.

The inferno that started at around 8pm was extinguished a few hours later following a concerted effort by firefighters from the Mombasa County Government and the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA). Other agencies that assisted in the mission are the Kenya Navy and the National Youth Service (NYS).

“No one died or sustained injuries during the evacuation,” said Dr. Bebora.

Earlier, Coast Regional Police Commander, Rashid Yakub, said preliminary investigations revealed that the fire started in the kitchen after a gas tank exploded.

“Half of the hospital was destroyed in the incident,” said Dr. Bebora, who estimated the property and equipment loss to millions of shillings.

“Currently, we are seeking experts’ input on what could have resulted in the fire. Thereafter, we will resume operations fully,” he said.

The male and female wards, facial therapy facility, reception area, maternity wing, the switchboard are some of the sections that were ravaged in the fire incident.

“However, doctors’ consultation rooms remain open. Outpatient services have also resumed, though on a manual system,” said Dr. Bebora.

Mombasa Hospital’s chief medical officer, Dr. Joseph Odongo, told K24 Digital they are still trying to ascertain which medical equipment were destroyed in the fire.

Mombasa County Commissioner, Gilbert Kitiyo, said the Government will work closely with Mombasa Hospital’s management to investigate the cause of the blaze.

"We managed to restore calm at the facility. We also managed to deploy police and the military to help in the evacuation process," said Kitiyo.