Alarm As Fuel Tanker Overturns Along Major Highway [PHOTOS]

A section of Nakuru-Eldoret Highway has been closed off after a fuel tanker overturned at Jogoo Centre, five kilometres from the Mau Summit.

The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), in its update on Tuesday, August 2, announced that the tanker rolled along the road bound for Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County.

The authority noted that wet weather had made the carriageway slippery, which led to the accident that caused a huge traffic snarl-up along the major road.

Scene after a fuel tanker overturned along Nakuru-Eldoret Highway on August 2, 2022. /KENHA

According to photos seen by Viral Tea, a crane arrived to lift the overturned tanker back to its original position, with traffic diverted to the earth roads.

KeNHA further advised motorists to drive with caution along the road as steps to clean up the oil spill are ongoing.

"Caution to motorists and other road users.  An oil tanker has rolled at Jogoo Centre, about 5km to Mau Summit Interchange (Eldoret-bound) road. This is attributed to wet weather making the carriageway slippery.

"The site has been condoned off by police as the recovery of the tanker is underway. Meanwhile, traffic has been diverted to the earth roads and motorists are advised to drive with caution," the authority updated.

The accident is reminiscent of one that occurred along Thika Road on Thursday, July 14, which led to heavy traffic after a fuel tanker overturned along the busy highway following an accident involving it and a lorry.

Photos and videos showed the tanker overturned along the highway between Roysambu and Githurai 45 estates, outbound, spilling the product on two lanes while blocking the fast lane.

The accident caused panic amongst passers by and motorists who kept a safe distance in fear of a possible explosion of the tanker, which carries devastating consequences. Police had sealed off the road on both ends with motorists being urged to look for alternative routes.

"KeNHA wishes to notify the public that a section of Thika Superhighway between Roysambu and Githurai (outbound traffic) has been temporarily closed after a petroleum tanker overturned, spilling fuel on the road.

"Police are on site and controlling traffic as well as ensuring the safe evacuation of the tanker. Motorists and members of the public are asked to evacuate from the area and to cooperate with the authorities as the evacuation process takes place," alerted KeNHA.

It was unclear what caused the accident between the two vehicles.

Motorists and Kenyans on social media raised an alert regarding the incident, warning of the dangers of passers-by raiding the tanker and siphoning fuel.

"If you can avoid using the route, you are advised to do so. Highly flammable oil has spilt all over the road."

Motorists are usually advised to drive carefully along the roads in such situations and to keep a safe distance to avoid the risk that comes with oil spills such as fire and explosions that cause a disaster.

Fuel spills from a tanker following an accident along Thika Road on July 14, 2022. /MA3 ROUTE