Residents of Mukinyai along the Nakuru-Eldoret highway in Kenya sprang into action around midnight to contain a fire that broke out after an ethanol tanker lost control, overturned and exploded. The incident raised fears among residents who recalled the 2009 Sachang’wan tanker fire that claimed more than 110 lives. The tanker was carrying ethanol, which caused the fire to spread rapidly.
Emmanuel Kipyegon, a resident who was among the first people to arrive at the scene, described the incident as horrific. He said the tanker driver managed to save his life by jumping out of the vehicle and was not injured. Kipyegon appreciated the Nakuru County Government for releasing the fire engine on time from Nakuru, as the one in Molo is currently damaged and not in use.
Kipyegon urged the national and county governments to establish a rescue centre around the Salgaa and Kibunja black spots, especially as construction of the Rironi-Mau Summit Highway continues. He said the first ambulance to arrive at the scene was from Molo Level 4 Hospital, not the nearby Sachang’wan Hospital, arguing that a rescue facility closer to the area would improve response times in the event of casualties.
Kipyegon commended residents for remaining alert and helping to contain the fire, preventing it from spreading to nearby areas. He said no one lost their life in the incident, but the tanker carrying ethanol was extensively damaged, while a flatrack container transporting logs also caught fire but was put out before the flames could spread further.
Another resident, Christopher Mose, urged members of the public to make use of the 999 emergency hotline when accidents occur. Mose said he called the emergency line after noticing the incident, and responders were later dispatched to the scene. He emphasized the importance of using the emergency hotline so that rescue services can be dispatched on time during such incidents.
The incident highlights the risks associated with transporting hazardous materials and the importance of emergency preparedness. The Kenyan government has been working to improve emergency response systems, including the 999 hotline, to quickly respond to accidents and minimize damage.
The cause of the accident is not yet known, but authorities are likely to investigate the incident to determine the cause and prevent similar accidents in the future. Residents are relieved that no lives were lost in the incident, and they are calling for improved safety measures to prevent such accidents.
Key points
- Residents contained a fire that broke out after an ethanol tanker lost control and exploded along the Nakuru-Eldoret highway in Kenya.
- The incident raised concerns about emergency preparedness and the need for a rescue centre in the area.
- Authorities are likely to investigate the cause of the accident to prevent similar incidents in the future.
