Tragedy Strikes: Kenyan Among 11 Killed in Tanzania Sugar Factory Explosion
A Kenyan worker employed at a sugar factory in Morogoro, Tanzania was tragically confirmed deceased on Thursday, May 23.
Reports from Tanzanian police indicate that the individual was one of eleven fatalities resulting from an explosion at the factory, allegedly triggered by an electrical malfunction.
Authorities disclosed that the deceased, employed as electrical and machine technicians, were present in the control room during the early hours of Thursday when the incident transpired.
Morogoro Police Regional Commander, Alex Mkama, informed the media that the incident, transpiring around 1:30 am on May 23, claimed the lives of one Kenyan, an Indian national, and a Brazilian.
Mkama attributed the explosion to the elevated temperatures necessary for sugar processing.
Meanwhile, Shaban Marugujo, the Morogoro Regional Fire and Rescue Commander, stated that a rescue team had been dispatched to provide aid to the victims.
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Marugujo indicated that an official report would be issued upon the completion of investigations.
According to a statement provided to Xinhua News by one of the electricians at the factory, the team had been conducting tests on a newly repaired heating system for sugar production before the incident. However, a steam release pipe connected to a boiler ruptured, leading to the explosion.
The electrician, who managed to escape unharmed, had stepped out of the control room to take a phone call moments before the blast occurred.
The electrician further mentioned that the new heating system was slated to commence operations the following day, prompting the team to conduct various tests.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, the deceased were transferred to the factory’s hospital mortuary for preservation.
Additionally, two individuals who sustained injuries were swiftly transported to Bwagala Mission Hospital in Turiani Ward, where they are currently undergoing treatment.
Tragedy Strikes: Kenyan Among 11 Killed in Tanzania Sugar Factory Explosion