Dawn fire razes down paint firm in Machakos

Athi River South subcounty police commander Jos Mudavadi said the inferno reportedly broke out at around 3.00am.

In Summary
  • Mudavadi said the fire reportedly started at go-down number two.
  • He said the scene was visited by Athi River OCS accompanied by his team alongside their DCI counterparts and informed the Mavoko subcounty fire brigade.
Salvaging of chemicals used for making paint ongoing as fire consumes paint making factory at Athi River in Machakos County on January 27, 2024
Salvaging of chemicals used for making paint ongoing as fire consumes paint making factory at Athi River in Machakos County on January 27, 2024
Image: GEORGE OWITI

A paint production factory has been razed down by an inferno in Athi River, Machakos.

The four go-downs were razed after fire broke out at the private firm located along Nairobi-Mombasa Highway early Saturday.

Athi River South subcounty police commander Jos Mudavadi said the inferno reportedly broke out at around 3.00am.

"It was reported at Athi River police station that a fire broke out at the paints factory at 3.00am on Saturday," Mudavadi told the Star by phone on Saturday.

Mudavadi said the fire reportedly started at go-down number two.

He said the scene was visited by Athi River OCS accompanied by his team alongside their DCI counterparts and informed the Mavoko subcounty fire brigade.

The police boss said several water boozers from within Athi River supplied water to assist in fighting the inferno.

"Four go-downs are on fire so far," Mudavadi said.

The fire was still consuming the go-downs by press time as efforts to contain it continued.

Also, several people were involved in salvaging property from the fourth go-down that was partially consumed by the inferno when the Star visited.

The items included paints and chemical for making paints.

Fire fighters involved in containing the inferno were from Kenya Air Force, General Service Unit, Mavoko and Machakos subcounties.

Machakos county chief of staff Lawrence Ngovi visited the scene to assess the situation.

Also, at the scene, were various emergency services personnel including ambulances and Kenya Red Cross Society.

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