A tanker explosion near Eldoret School kills at least two and injures dozens after locals’ siphon fuel. A petroleum tanker exploded late Thursday night along the Eldoret-Webuye highway near Paul Boit Secondary School, killing at least two people and injuring many others in a mass casualty incident that forced temporary closure of the school.
The tanker overturned on the busy trade route, prompting residents to rush to the scene to siphon fuel. Moments later the vehicle exploded, sending a fireball into the night sky and shaking buildings in the Turbo and Jua Kali areas.
“This is a mass casualty incident,” a Kenya Red Cross official said at the scene. “Our teams, working with police and firefighters, have mounted a full emergency response. Victims are being rushed to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret.”
Police and firefighters contained the blaze and secured the area as rescue operations continued into the early hours. Hospital sources confirmed at least two deaths, with fears that the toll may rise as more critically injured patients arrive.
“Several people are receiving treatment here. We are prepared for a surge of casualties,” a senior official at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital said.
The blast shook the compound of Paul Boit Secondary School, prompting authorities to close the institution temporarily while the site was secured.
Residents of Turbo and Jua Kali expressed shock at the tragedy. “We heard a loud bang and then saw the fire. People were running everywhere,” one local said.
The incident has once again drawn attention to road safety and the risks of fuel transportation along major highways linking western Kenya.
Speaking to KNA Friday morning, the Turbo West Sub County Police Commander, Mr Patrick Wekesa, confirmed the tragic incident.
He said investigations into the cause of the accident and the subsequent explosion are underway.
By Maurice Aluda
