The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) in Kenya has issued a public notice warning citizens about the deadly risks associated with petroleum and LPG tanker accident scenes. This notice was published on September 24, 2026, following a series of road incidents that have resulted in loss of life and severe injuries. EPRA, established under the Energy Act, 2019, is Kenya's energy sector regulator.
EPRA noted that petroleum products are highly flammable and can ignite and explode without warning once a spill or leak occurs. Common ignition sources include vehicle engines, electrical equipment, open flames, and even static electricity generated by nylon clothing. The authority stated that fires and explosions involving petroleum or LPG are almost always fatal, and survivors frequently sustain permanent injuries.
The regulator extended condolences to families who have lost relatives in such incidents and called the ongoing loss of life deeply regrettable given that many of the deaths were avoidable. To mitigate these risks, EPRA directed members of the public to maintain a minimum distance of 300 metres from any petroleum or LPG tanker accident scene at all times.
EPRA has outlined seven safety rules for the public to follow at petroleum or LPG tanker accident scenes. These rules include promptly reporting accidents, spills, or fires to emergency agencies such as the County Fire Department, Kenya Red Cross, and EPRA. The public is also advised not to scoop, siphon, collect, transport, or handle any spilled or leaking petroleum product.
Additional safety measures include refraining from smoking, lighting fires, or using any open flame near the scene, even when standing beyond the 300-metre safety boundary. The public is also urged to avoid creating sparks or other ignition sources, including unnecessarily starting or running vehicles or equipment in the vicinity of a spill or leak.
EPRA emphasized that the public should never attempt to recover petroleum products or interfere with a tanker's valves, compartments, or any other equipment. Instead, they should allow emergency responders, law enforcement officers, and other authorised personnel to access and manage the scene without obstruction.
Members of the public can report petroleum or LPG incidents to EPRA through its Emergency Toll-Free Number 0800722243, Hotline Number 0709336000, USSD Code *363#, or by email at [email protected]. EPRA added that it remains committed to enforcing safety standards for petroleum and LPG transporters, covering vehicle roadworthiness inspections and driver competency requirements.
Key points
- EPRA issues seven-point public safety notice to prevent deadly petrol and LPG explosions after tanker accidents.
- The public is advised to maintain a minimum distance of 300 metres from petroleum or LPG tanker accident scenes.
- EPRA provides emergency contact numbers for reporting petroleum or LPG incidents.
