A fatal road accident involving a loaded petrol tanker and another lorry occurred on Saturday, January 24, 2026, morning, along Nairobi’s Southern Bypass near the Swaminarayan Tunnel Bridge, causing major traffic disruption and safety concerns.
According to an eyewitness report, a petrol tanker exploded into flames, causing a heavy snarl-up along the busy highway. Emergency response teams, including the Kenya Red Cross, police officers, and firefighters, were swiftly deployed to the scene to manage the situation.
One of the truck drivers died on the spot. Authorities are yet to release the identity of the deceased as investigations continue.
Firefighters worked around the clock to contain the situation. Motorists were advised to avoid the stretch as traffic was temporarily diverted to alternative routes to allow emergency operations and ensure public safety.
The cause of the accident has not yet been officially established, but police have launched investigations to determine the circumstances leading to the collision. The bystanders who attempted to siphon fuel from the trucks were blocked by officers.
This incident once again highlights the dangers associated with heavy commercial vehicles on major highways and the need for heightened road safety measures, particularly along major roads in Kenya
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