Two Dead, 22 Injured After Fuel Tanker Explodes Along Eldoret-Turbo Road

Two people have been confirmed dead and 22 others injured after a petroleum tanker exploded along the Eldoret-Turbo Road near Paul Boit Secondary School on Thursday night.

The incident occurred after the tanker was involved in an accident, with preliminary reports indicating that some of the victims may have been attempting to collect fuel from the vehicle when the explosion occurred.

The blast left several people with serious burn injuries and prompted a mass-casualty response involving emergency services.

22 survivors admitted to MTRH

Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) Chief Executive Officer Dr Philip Kirwa said on Friday that 22 survivors had been admitted to the facility for treatment.

Seven of the victims are in critical condition after sustaining burns covering between 40 and 50 per cent of their bodies.

Kirwa said the patients are expected to require intensive care as medical teams continue efforts to stabilise them.

Three patients who are unable to breathe without assistance have been intubated, while four others who are breathing independently remain under close observation.

The hospital is also preparing for the possibility of receiving additional casualties as emergency response operations continue.

Kenya Red Cross activates mass casualty response

The Kenya Red Cross Society said the explosion triggered a mass-casualty response, with its emergency teams deployed to the scene.

The teams worked alongside police officers and firefighters as they responded to the incident and assisted those affected.

The explosion occurred along a busy transport corridor, raising concerns about the dangers associated with road accidents involving petroleum tankers, particularly where members of the public approach damaged vehicles carrying flammable products.

Investigation underway

The circumstances surrounding the tanker accident and subsequent explosion have not yet been fully established.

Authorities are expected to investigate the cause of the accident, the events leading up to the explosion and the circumstances under which people were present around the tanker.

The full extent of the property damage and other possible casualties was also yet to be established as emergency operations continued.

The incident has once again highlighted the risks posed by approaching overturned or damaged fuel tankers following road accidents.

Emergency agencies continue to respond to the situation, while those injured remain under treatment at MTRH.