Police Close Thika Road After Fuel Spills From Tanker [PHOTOS]

As a result, police have sealed off the road on both ends with motorists being urged to look for alternative routes.

Marvin Chege Marvin Chege
Jul 14, 2022 - 09:33 Updated: Jul 14, 2022 - 10:17
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Police Close Thika Road After Fuel Spills From Tanker [PHOTOS]
Fuel spills from a tanker following an accident along Thika Road on July 14, 2022. /NATION BREAKING

Heavy traffic built up along Thika Road on Thursday, July 14 after a fuel tanker overturned along the busy highway following an accident involving it and a lorry.

Photos and videos seen by Viral Tea 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.

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

As a result, police have sealed off the road on both ends with motorists being urged to look for alternative routes.

By the time of publishing, officials from Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) and Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) had stepped in to reinforce safety measures by the police officers.

"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 is 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.

"I hope the situation of the tanker accident along Thika Road is in total control Kenyans should not go to siphon fuel because Natural Selection doesn't care," user iamJoseh stated.

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

"Traffic is crazy there but soo many police officers around the area up to Roysambu everyone is diverted to service or 44 or Kasarani," read other comments.

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. /KENHA

A firefighter at work after fuel spills from a tanker following an accident along Thika Road on July 14, 2022. /KENHA

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