Over 150 families had to spend their night in the cold after a fire destroyed their houses in Athi River, Machakos County.

The incident occurred on Saturday June, 8, 2024, evening at Slota estate within Athi River Township in Mavoko.

During the incident, most residents were either asleep or getting ready to go to bed when a fire suddenly broke out in one of the rental houses.

According to Athi River East Sub County Police Commander Anderson Mbae, a fire broke out on Saturday evening, causing extensive damage to properties in Athi River, although the exact value of the property destroyed is unknown.

The area assistant chief Martin Ngomo reported to Athi River Police Station the tragedy as a fire incident report at 12.15am early Sunday.

According to Mbae, the administrator reported the incident to the station through phone, asking the police officers to move to the scene.

“He reported that there was a fire outbreak at Slota area. The OCS and his team together with DCI personnel rushed to the scene where it was established that the fire started from a single-roomed iron sheet–structured house and spread to adjacent households,” said Mbae.

The police boss added that nobody was injured during the incident.

He also disclosed that a fire brigade team from Machakos County Government in Mavoko Sub County, arrived at the scene to contain fire.