Disaster averted as tank spews poisonous gas

Quick action saved residents of Shauri Moyo in Nairobi from harm after a punctured tank at a scrap metal yard began emitting noxious gas.

The 11am incident at the yard that neighbours a clinic, two nursery schools and residential area, resulted in nine people being admitted to Kenyatta National Hospital.

Residents and a National Environment Management Authority official have subsequently demanded that the business be removed from the area.

Area chief Rose Kibocha was helped by provincial administration and police officers to evacuate 304 students from Shauri Moyo Adventist School to Pumwani Social Hall.

Pastor Dan Migosi, said he realised from the smell that the tank was leaking hydrochloric acid and he bought sodium hydroxide, which neutralises the acid.

When the City Council of Nairobi Fire Brigade arrived, firefighters mixed the sodium hydroxide with water, bringing the leak under control at about 2.30pm.

People exposed to the fumes said they had difficulty in breathing and had a burning sensation in the lungs.

Mr John Opuka, who works at a metalwork shop opposite the scrap metal yard, said he heard a loud hissing at about 11.30am and saw yellow gas spewing about 15 feet into the air.

He saw two workers at the yard run out, then walk back before collapsing.

Mr Opuka said the chief, district officer and police arrived five minutes after the incident and evacuated the schools.

Ms Miriam Alifimau, who lives a few metres from the yard, said she heard a loud explosion at about 11am followed by hissing sound and yellow fumes rising into the air.

Ms Razila Njeri said this was not the first time the scrap metal yard had exposed residents to danger as there had been a fire last year. 

Nema chief research officer Issak Elm said the scrap metal yard had to be moved from the area.

At KNH, corporate affairs and communications manager Simon Ithae said 56 people were being treated and nine initially required oxygen.

“The patients were coughing and vomiting when they were brought here,” said Mr Ithae.

Doctors say they suspect the people inhaled hydrogen chloride, a colourless, corrosive, non-flammable chemical that produces noxious fumes with a pungent odour.

It combines with water to form hydrochloric acid. Inhalation can lead to pulmonary oedema — an abnormal build-up of fluid in the air sacs of the lungs.