A 12-year-old boy was severely injured after a battery exploded, setting off a fire that destroyed eight rental houses at God Jope Trading Center, Lambwe West, Homa Bay County.
The explosion occurred as the boy tried to disconnect power from the battery, which was being charged by a solar panel.
Acting Chief of Lambwe West, Fredrick Onyango Odero, said the boy suffered severe burns on his left hand and was rushed to Ogongo Health Center. Neighbors quickly rescued him after the battery exploded.
The fire spread rapidly, burning down all eight rental houses made of iron sheets. The blaze completely destroyed household items in the affected homes. Ten families lost everything and were forced to spend the night out in the cold.
Chief Onyango confirmed that investigations are underway to understand what caused the explosion. He also urged locals to be careful when handling power devices like batteries to avoid similar tragedies.
