Three people lost their lives on Friday morning after breathing petrol fumes at Kipkaren area, Uasin Gishu County.
In the early morning tragedy along the Eldoret-Webuye highway, a petrol tanker overturned prompting residents to rush to the scene to siphon the dangerous fuel.
The 'party' changed for the worst when some of the residents started suffocating after inhaling flammable petrol fumes, even as police battled to keep them away from the impending danger.
Confirming the incident, Western Traffic Police boss, Geoffrey Njogu, said that the three succumbed to internal injuries caused by the fumes, while another was left in critical condition at Lumakanda District Hospital.
Western Regional Police Chief Moses Ombati urged area residents to keep away from the area to avert any more danger.
“We are appealing to the public to keep away from the scene of the accident and avoid stoning police who are busy trying to get the situation under control,” he said.
In the past, police have constantly warned against rushing to siphon petrol due to the probable danger that could be caused by the highly flammable product.
In August last year, six people were burnt beyond recognition in Molo area, Nakuru County, after a fallen tanker from which they were scooping petrol burst into flames.
Also in 2009, more than 100 people perished in the same county after fire broke out during a scrumble for petrol.
