A deadly accident involving a fuel tanker and a lorry occurred on Thursday March 20, 2025 in the morning a few kilometers from Mtito Andei along the busy Nairobi-Mombasa Highway, bringing traffic to a standstill and leaving a trail of destruction.
The collision caused both vehicles to burst into flames, sending thick black smoke billowing into the sky.
The exact cause of the accident remains unclear, but initial reports indicate the impact of the collision sparked a massive fire. Unconfirmed reports suggest there might be casualties, with fears that the drivers of both vehicles were burnt alive in the inferno.
Photos and footage circulating online show the two vehicles engulfed in flames, with their shells burnt beyond recognition.
The intensity of the fire forced other motorists to seek alternative routes, dangerously navigating through shrub-laden roadsides as they attempted to avoid the accident scene.
This detour posed an additional risk, given the presence of lingering petroleum fumes that could easily ignite.
Such accidents involving fuel tankers are extremely hazardous due to the high risk of explosions. Over the years, many of these incidents have resulted in fatalities, especially when locals rush to siphon fuel from overturned tankers without considering the grave danger.
A similar tragedy occurred in 2021, where at least 13 people lost their lives in Gem Sub-County, Siaya, after a fuel tanker exploded while residents were siphoning fuel.
Thursday’s accident is a stark reminder of the dangers posed by fuel tankers on Kenyan roads. Authorities have often warned against approaching such scenes due to the high risk of explosions.
