The number of fatalities from a tyre burst that occurred at a vehicle garage in Mlolongo area on Tuesday has risen to three after another person who was injured in the accident died while undergoing treatment.
The deceased who was among two other mechanics who were working at the garage died on Tuesday afternoon at the Shalom Community Hospital where he had been rushed following the tragic incident.
Confirming the incident, the Athi River Deputy County Commissioner (DCC), David Mukugha said the three mechanics whose workshop is located near the Mulley’s Supermarket along the busy Nairobi–Mombasa road were repairing the rim of a long haulage trailer when the tyre which was still inflated burst killing the two men on the spot and injuring four others seriously.
The administrator said three other people who were injured during the incident at the Softing Garage are currently fighting for their lives at the Shalom Community hospital.
“There was a big explosion yesterday which at first people thought was a gas explosion at the Mulley’s Supermarket since it emanated from near the premises. But it later turned out that the blast was an explosion from a burst tyre at the Softing garage where mechanics were trying to weld the rim of a truck .The explosion from the tire killed the two mechanics on the spot and seriously injured three others who were nearby,” he said.
Mukhugha is now warning mechanics against carrying out welding work on rims of inflated tyres terming the practice as sheer suicide.
He has urged them to be deflating the tubes first before undertaking any repairs on such tyres as this would minimize chances of accidents.
By Samuel Maina
