At least two people have died and 10 others have been rushed to hospital after a petrol tanker caught fire near Paul Boit Secondary School along the Eldoret-Turbo Road in Uasin Gishu County. The victims are reported to have been collecting fuel that was leaking from the tanker when the blaze suddenly erupted.
Highlights
- At least two people were killed in the petrol tanker fire.
- Ten others were evacuated to different hospitals.
- Some survivors reportedly suffered severe burns.
- Victims had gathered to collect leaking fuel before the fire started.
- Emergency teams worked through the night to contain the blaze.
Main Story
Petrol Tanker Fire Turns Fatal
A petrol tanker fire along the Eldoret-Turbo Road in Uasin Gishu County has left at least two people dead and 10 others hospitalised.
The incident happened on Thursday night near Paul Boit Secondary School, triggering a major emergency response involving police, firefighters and the Kenya Red Cross.
Some of those rescued reportedly suffered serious burns, raising fears that the death toll could increase as they receive treatment.
Victims Were Collecting Spilled Fuel
According to police, the victims had gathered around the tanker after it developed problems and began leaking fuel.
They were reportedly collecting the spilled petrol when the fire suddenly broke out.
Rift Valley Regional Police Commander Samuel Ndanyi confirmed that two bodies had been recovered from the scene, while several injured people were taken to hospital.
Authorities are yet to establish exactly what triggered the fire.
Rescue Teams Respond
The Kenya Red Cross deployed emergency response teams to the scene and worked alongside police officers and firefighters.
The multi-agency operation focused on rescuing injured people, securing the area and dealing with the flames.
The fire was reportedly brought under control at around 4am on Friday.
Emergency teams remained at the location as authorities continued assessing the scene and documenting the incident.
Motorists Warned to Keep Away
Motorists using the Eldoret-Bungoma Highway were advised to avoid the affected section to give emergency responders enough room to operate.
The road section remained an area of concern as authorities continued with investigations and efforts to determine the full extent of the incident.
Police are also expected to establish how the tanker came to be leaking fuel and what caused the fire to ignite.
Casualty Figures Still Being Established
While two deaths have been confirmed, authorities have warned that the full number of casualties may not yet be known.
Ten people were evacuated to various hospitals, with some reportedly suffering severe burns.
Medical teams are expected to continue monitoring the injured as investigations at the scene proceed.
Another Tragedy on a Busy Kenyan Road
The incident comes amid continued concerns over road safety and the risks associated with fuel transportation.
Earlier this year, several fatal crashes across major Kenyan highways have raised fresh questions about road safety and emergency preparedness. A recent crash near Lessos Junction along the Nakuru-Eldoret Highway, for instance, left seven people dead and eight others seriously injured.
For residents and motorists, the latest tanker fire is another reminder of how quickly an incident involving flammable fuel can turn into a major disaster.
A tanker carrying highly flammable fuel can become a disaster within seconds and the tragedy in Uasin Gishu is a painful reminder of the dangers that can follow when spilled fuel meets an unexpected source of ignition.
