One dead, 60 hospitalized after gas leak at Athi River steel company

A fatal gas leak at an Athi River steel company resulted in one death and 60 hospitalizations, according to police reports. On September 24, 2026, a trailer carrying about 41 gas cylinders arrived at Athi River Steel Limited. An employee of Prime Path Transporters began cutting one of the cylinders when it unexpectedly began releasing gas.

The fumes spread throughout the workplace, causing choking and breathing difficulties for around 60 workers. Most of the affected employees were treated and discharged at Mutungoini Hospital, while two remained under observation. One of the affected workers, 49-year-old Harry Mwaighamba Mwapwaka, died due to suspected suffocation.

The scene of the incident was secured by police officers, detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, and scene-of-crime personnel. Occupational health and safety officials were also contacted to assess the incident and provide safety recommendations. Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the gas leak are ongoing, including how the cylinders were handled and the cause of the fatal exposure.

The factory remained under investigation on Friday. Meanwhile, in a separate incident, a man was arrested in Hamisi, Vihiga County, after the death of a woman allegedly assaulted with an electric wire. The victim, identified as Gladys, was found dead at a homestead in Musunji Sub-location on September 21, 2026. Police found her body with injury marks and arrested the suspect, who was placed in custody.

The electric wire used in the assault was collected as evidence. The victim's body was sent to Mbale Mortuary for a postmortem examination to determine the cause of death.