At least 22 people are receiving treatment at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) after an oil tanker exploded at Paul Boit along the Eldoret-Turbo Road on Thursday night. Eleven victims are in the Intensive Care Unit, with several suffering extensive burns, while two people were pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital.
Highlights
- 22 injured victims are receiving treatment at MTRH.
- 11 patients are currently in the ICU.
- Seven ICU patients have burns covering more than 25 per cent of their bodies.
- Two victims died before receiving treatment at the hospital.
- Authorities are considering measures to divert oil tankers away from Eldoret CBD.
Main Story
Victims Rushed to MTRH
The aftermath of the tanker explosion has left dozens of people requiring urgent medical attention at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital.
Dr Andrew Wandera, a senior clinical services doctor at MTRH, said 22 injured people had been admitted following the incident.
Eleven patients are in the ICU, with seven of them sustaining burns covering more than a quarter of their bodies. Other patients suffered burns to their faces and different parts of their bodies.
Dr Wandera also confirmed that two victims were brought to the hospital already deceased.
He said the hospital had sufficient medical supplies and healthcare workers to manage the injured and support their recovery.
How the Fire Started
Uasin Gishu County police boss Wilberforce Sicharani said the incident followed a collision involving a small tanker carrying petrol and diesel and another vehicle.
The impact reportedly caused the tanker to lose control and crash along the road.
A crowd subsequently gathered around the vehicle, with some people attempting to collect fuel from the tanker.
It was during the commotion that the tanker caught fire and exploded, according to the police.
Sicharani said investigators suspected that contact with the lorry’s battery may have produced a spark that ignited the fuel.
The incident resulted in two deaths and left several other people injured.
Governor Warns Against Approaching Accident Scenes
Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii visited the injured victims at MTRH and expressed condolences to the affected families.
He said many of those admitted had sustained serious burns and urged members of the public to avoid approaching vehicles involved in fuel-related accidents.
Bii warned that attempts to collect leaking fuel can expose people to severe and potentially fatal fires.
Authorities Plan Action on Tanker Routes
The governor also said county officials were working with the Kenya National Highways Authority to address the movement of oil tankers through Eldoret’s central business district.
He said discussions were underway to have heavy fuel-carrying trucks redirected to the Eldoret Southern Bypass rather than using roads passing through the city centre.
The county is also working with the traffic department on the proposed changes.
Support for Affected Families
Following the tragedy, emergency response teams, including the Kenya Red Cross, were mobilised to assist victims and transport them to hospital.
Governor Bii said the county had also coordinated humanitarian support for families affected by the incident.
As investigations continue, authorities are expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the collision, the subsequent fuel collection attempts and the source of ignition.
A road accident can turn deadly within seconds and when fuel is involved, keeping a safe distance can mean the difference between witnessing a tragedy and becoming part of one.
