Fuel Tanker Explosion Leaves Two Injured Along Muhoroni-Londiani Highway
A fuel tanker overturned and erupted into flames along the Muhoroni-Londiani Highway, leaving two firefighters injured as they battled the raging fire.
According to reports from St John Ambulance, the firefighters sustained injuries while responding to the emergency. The tanker, which was transporting petroleum products, lost control, rolled over, and ignited in a massive inferno.
Preliminary reports suggest the accident occurred around 6:45 a.m. near Ushirika Center. Witnesses at the scene stated that while there were no immediate casualties, the fate of the driver and any passengers remains unknown.
Eyewitnesses revealed that the lorry was completely consumed by the flames. Images shared by Skynews.co.ke showed the blaze still raging as emergency responders worked to contain it.
Recent Surge in Fuel Tanker Accidents
This incident comes just two days after another tragic accident involving a fuel tanker and a lorry, which collided and burst into flames a few kilometers from Mtito Andei along the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway.
Kenya has witnessed a series of devastating fuel tanker explosions in recent years, raising serious concerns about road safety and emergency preparedness. On August 9, 2023, a petrol tanker explosion along the Webuye-Malaba Highway claimed the life of its driver. Reports indicated that the tanker lost control while attempting to overtake a matatu, veering off the road and crashing into an electric transformer before igniting.
Another major explosion occurred on June 3, 2024, when an LPG tanker exploded near Pipeline Stage in Fedha, Embakasi, along Outering Road in Nairobi. The explosion created a massive fireball and thick black smoke, causing panic among residents. Fortunately, while two people sustained injuries, no fatalities were reported.
Calls for Enhanced Road Safety Measures
Despite past tragedies, reckless handling of fuel tankers continues to pose significant risks. The infamous 2009 incident, where over 120 people lost their lives while siphoning fuel from an overturned tanker, remains a grim reminder of the dangers involved.
Authorities have repeatedly warned against engaging in such perilous activities and emphasized the need for stricter enforcement of road safety regulations. Increased public awareness, better emergency response systems, and improved transportation safety protocols are crucial to preventing further tragedies.
More News: Tuju Slams Supreme Court’s Conduct, Warns of Kenya Becoming a Failed State
Fuel Tanker Explosion Leaves Two Injured Along Muhoroni-Londiani Highway
