There was a huge traffic snarl-up along Mombasa Road after a jet fuselage that was being transported on a haulier truck got stuck under the City Cabanas overpass.
A photo seen by Kenyans.co.ke on the afternoon of Sunday, February 6, and which has since gone viral on social media, captured the fuselage being transported at the back of truck.
Eyewitnesses noted that the jet got stuck after the height of its fuselage, combined with that of the haulier truck, exceeded the maximum limit of the overpass.
Another source told this writer that three trucks were involved in the transportation of the fuselage which bore the registration number, 5Y-KOK.
Spotting a rust exterior, the jet, which is a 737-200 series, was painted white through out its body.
According to plane measurements, it has a wing span of about 60 metres and an overall length of 56.7 meters. It also has an interior cabin width of 5.4meters and diameter of 5.91 meters.
Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, Thomas Omweri, an expert in wide load transportation in Kenya, noted that before embarking on the arduous journey, all truck owners and drivers must apply for a license to the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA).
He explained that in doing so, the mishap of poor measurements by drivers can be avoided as well as additional security provided.
"It is against the law to transport a load whose height is longer than that of the underpass. What usually is required before you carry the load, you need to liaise with KeNHA so that you indicate the type of cargo you are going to transport. You have to obtain a permit for it and dimensions. Different dimensions would require different dynamics because there are times where you may require escort for safety purposes.
"They would advise if they foresee any hitch like the one that occurred, they may be able to advise accordingly because they know the measurement of the road and width as well as maximum height. Such things could be detected at the point of applying for the necessary permits," he stated.
The permits, however, do not come cheap and failure to possess one can land the truck owners and drivers in legal trouble.
"Permits are issued at a cost and it is usually Ksh20,000 for three months for any cargo. Every kind of cargo would require its own permit.
"It would be more expensive depending on its dimensions and weight because they have to ensure the roads are maintained," he added.
This comes barely a week after another jet caused a standstill at Kiambu town on the night of Sunday, January 30, as cameras captured an airplane at the back of a haulier truck snaking through the town to an unknown destination.
