The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has announced a temporary closure of the Nairobi Southern Bypass (Kikuyu-bound) after an oil tanker overturned.
In a statement on Saturday, July 5, the Authority revealed that the accident, which resulted in oil spillage, affected the section between the Virtual Weightbridge and Ngong Road interchange.
"The Kenya National Highways Authority regrets to notify the public of the temporary closure of the Nairobi Southern Bypass (Kikuyu Bound) between the Virtual Weighbridge and Ngong Interchange."
"This is due to an oil tanker that has overturned on the road, blocking the traffic passage," the authority stated.
According to KeNHA, the accident resulted in a huge traffic snarl-up along the busy stretch, forcing motorists to seek alternative routes.
To address the escalating gridlock, the Authority urged motorists to use the Waiyaki Way and Uhuru Highway routes, as efforts to clear the oil spillage are underway.
KeNHA asked the road users to be cautious and cooperate with the police and traffic marshals on site.
"Motorists are requested to use Waiyaki Way and Uhuru Highway as the area is cleared of spillage. All road users are urged to cooperate with the police and traffic marshals on site," the statement reads.
In its announcement, KeNHA expressed regret over the inconvenience caused and promised to restore normal traffic as soon as possible.
No injuries or fatalities have been reported yet at the time of publication. The fire brigade and the emergency team responded to the scene immediately after the accident was reported.
This accident came hours after an accident happened at Mlima Kiu, near Salama Town on the Nairobi-Mombasa highway, involving a private car and two passengers Nissan matatus.
Three people, including a 10-year-old, died on the spot, and several others were seriously injured during this fatal accident.
