Lives Lost, Scores Injured as Thika Factory Fire Leaves Trail of Pain

Firefighters continue battling lingering flames and smoke on Friday morning as mop-up operations go on at the gutted mattress factory in Thika.

Two bodies have been recovered following a devastating fire that broke out on Thursday morning at a mattress factory near the BAT Makongeni area in Thika Town.

According to the latest update, four victims remain admitted at Thika Level 5 Hospital, where they are undergoing treatment. Two patients with critical burn injuries were transferred to Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) for specialised care, while two others who sustained minor injuries were treated and later discharged.

Among those injured was a Chinese national, an employee of the factory, who suffered severe burns and was rushed to a nearby private hospital within Thika Town. In addition, three firefighters sustained injuries while battling the inferno. They received treatment at Thika Level 5 Hospital and were later discharged.

Preliminary reports indicate that the fire broke out at approximately 10:15 a.m. on Thursday morning, following a gas tank explosion within the factory premises. The facility, identified as BEBEHOPE, is reportedly Chinese-owned and manufactures mattresses and floor mats.

An LPG gas tank believed to be the source of the explosion that triggered the devastating fire at the Thika mattress factory.

The blaze spread rapidly, quickly engulfing the entire plant and making salvage efforts impossible. The intensity of the fire overwhelmed Kiambu County firefighting teams, prompting reinforcements from multiple agencies.

Firefighters from Murang’a County, the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) 12 Engineers, Thika Barracks, who arrived with a fire engine and two excavators, played a critical role in opening access routes to the burning facility. Additional support came from KDF personnel from Kahawa Barracks, the General Service Unit (GSU) with two water cannons, Del Monte Fire Brigade, and other emergency response teams.

The incident turned Thika Town and its environs into a siren-filled zone, as fire engines repeatedly raced between the scene and nearby water points to refill and return to the operation.

Firefighting efforts continued throughout Thursday and into the night. By Friday morning, authorities confirmed that the fire had been contained, although residual smoke was still visible at the site.

Search and recovery operations are ongoing to determine whether any other victims may still be trapped beneath the debris.

Meanwhile, more than 20 firefighters, over 50 police officers and nearly 20 Red Cross personnel and other emergency responders spent the night at the scene. Well-wishers and companies came in and provided breakfast, snacks, milk, water and other essential supplies to responders who remained on duty overnight and those reporting in the morning.

Investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing. 

More details will be shared as they emerge.