NAIROBI, Kenya — An oil tanker burst into flames after colliding with a truck on Nairobi’s Southern Bypass, near Carnivore Restaurant, killing one person and causing severe traffic disruptions.
The accident occurred on Saturday afternoon, triggering panic along the busy highway near Wilson Airport.
Eyewitnesses reported that two trucks, including the fuel tanker, were engulfed in fire following the collision, sending thick black smoke into the air and significantly reducing visibility.
“The highway has been temporarily closed. Motorists are advised to use alternative routes,” the Kenya Red Cross said, adding that access to the area had been restricted to ensure public safety while emergency crews managed the scene.
The tanker came to rest on the left-hand side of the dual carriageway, with part of its trailer spilling onto Swaminarayan Street, just below the Southern Bypass tunnel. The intense blaze forced authorities to shut down the road in both directions.
Emergency teams, including police and fire crews from the Kenya Airports Authority stationed at Wilson Airport, were promptly dispatched to contain the fire and manage traffic flow.
Motorists were diverted to alternative routes, causing significant congestion in the surrounding areas.
Authorities confirmed that one of the drivers involved in the collision died.
Details regarding the identity of the deceased and the condition of other individuals involved were not immediately available.
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Truck fires involving fuel tankers and other heavy commercial vehicles have become increasingly common across Kenya.
These incidents often follow collisions, rollovers, or mechanical failures and pose severe risks to motorists, nearby communities, and infrastructure.
Experts warn that such accidents can be catastrophic due to the flammable nature of fuel and the high speed of traffic on major highways.
Authorities continue to urge drivers of heavy commercial vehicles to maintain strict safety measures, including regular vehicle maintenance and adherence to traffic regulations.
