A fuel tanker has exploded into flames along the busy Muhoroni-Londiani Highway, injuring at least two people.
According to reporting from St John Ambulance, two firefighters who were fighting the blaze have been injured.
The tanker that is said to have been ferrying petroleum products is said to have rolled over and burst into flames.
Unverified reports indicate the truck got into the accident at around 6:45am near the Ushirika Center.
Witnesses have indicated there were no immediate casualties, but the fate of the driver and anyone else in the truck remains unclear.
The witnesses say the lorry has been burnt to ashes. Images seen by Kenyans.co.ke show the blaze is still ongoing, with St John Ambulance indicating first responders are at the scene.
The accident comes barely two days after a fuel tanker and a lorry collided and burst into flames.
The accident happened on Thursday morning a few kilometres from Mtito Andei along the busy Nairobi-Mombasa Highway.
Over the past year, Kenya has experienced several tragic fuel tanker explosions, resulting in loss of life and raising concerns about road safety and emergency response capabilities.
On 9 August 2023, a petrol tanker exploded in the Sikata area along the Webuye-Malaba highway, killing the driver instantly. Eyewitnesses reported that the tanker, en route to Malaba, attempted to overtake a matatu but lost control, veered off the road, and struck an electric transformer post, leading to the explosion. Efforts by residents to rescue the trapped driver were unsuccessful due to the intense flames.
On 3 June 2024, a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tanker exploded near Pipeline Stage in Fedha, Embakasi, along Outering Road in Nairobi. The explosion produced a massive fireball and thick black smoke, alarming residents in the densely populated area.
Two individuals sustained injuries, but no fatalities were reported. Firefighters responded promptly to contain the blaze and prevent its spread to nearby structures.
Despite previous tragedies, such as the 2009 incident where over 120 people died while siphoning fuel from an overturned tanker, similar dangerous behaviours continue.
Authorities have repeatedly warned against such practices, highlighting the need for increased public awareness and stricter enforcement of safety regulations.
