A 12-year-old boy is receiving treatment for severe burns after an explosion at God Jope Trading Center in Lambwe West, Homa Bay County, led to a devastating fire. The incident occurred when a battery, which was being powered by a solar panel, exploded as the boy attempted to disconnect the power. He sustained severe burns on his left hand and was quickly rushed to Ogongo Health Center for medical attention.
According to Acting Chief of Lambwe West Location, Fredrick Onyango Odero, the explosion triggered a blaze that completely destroyed nine rental houses made of Mabati (corrugated iron sheets), leaving at least ten families affected. Neighbors managed to rescue the boy following the explosion, but all the belongings in the houses were consumed by the fire.
The affected families are now facing a dire situation, having spent the night in the cold after losing all their household items to the inferno. Authorities are investigating the incident to understand the cause of the battery explosion and to provide support to the displaced families.