Uasin Gishu firefighters on Friday, May 9, 2025, had a hard time keeping off a crowd of people that had turned up in an attempt to siphon fuel from a tanker that had overturned.
The incident happened at Maili Nne area, along the Eldoret–Malaba road.
The firefighters responded to the incident after the spillage had begun flowing toward nearby residential areas and downstream water sources.
However, with support from police officers, the emergency team secured the area and used foam to neutralise the fuel, aiming to prevent environmental contamination, especially in nearby rivers.
Area Assistant Chief Ezekiel Bwambok reported that the tanker, carrying approximately 39,000 litres of petrol, veered off the road into a ditch as the driver attempted to park.
It overturned during efforts by another truck driver to tow it back onto the road. The petroleum tanker transporting fuel from the Eldoret Pipeline Company depot to Kampala overturned.
The incident temporarily halted traffic along the busy highway.
Following the incident, the Uasin Gishu firefighters team urged the public to steer clear of accident scenes involving petroleum tankers and other flammable materials, citing serious safety and health hazards.
According to Uasin Gishu County Fire Superintendent Hassan Wangwero, such scenes pose significant risks, including toxic vapours from spilt fuel and the potential for fire or explosions.
He also emphasised the need for the public to keep a safe distance during emergencies involving flammable substances.
Meanwhile, authorities continue to caution residents against approaching or tampering with fuel tankers involved in accidents, stressing the life-threatening dangers and legal consequences of such actions.
