MERCY NZILU

Created on :Mar 27, 2024

Kenyans scramble for oil after a Trailer Carrying Crude Oil Overturns Along Mombasa - Nairobi Highway

Traffic along the vital Mombasa-Nairobi highway encountered a significant disruption on Wednesday when a trailer transporting crude oil overturned near the Lukenya area in Athi River, Machakos County. Reports suggest that the trailer lost control, leading to the unfortunate incident that brought movement along the busy road to a standstill.

In the aftermath of the accident, a chaotic scene unfolded as members of the public hastily rushed to the spillage site, attempting to scoop up the spilled crude oil. However, swift action from alert police officers managed to disperse the crowd, preventing further chaos and potential hazards.

Tragically, amidst the commotion, one individual suffered critical injuries, identified as the driver of the overturned trailer. Prompt emergency response saw the injured party swiftly transported to Machakos Referral Hospital for urgent medical attention.

The Machakos County Fire Department also played a crucial role, arriving promptly to assist in clearing the spilled oil from the highway, thus mitigating the risk of further accidents. Additionally, efforts were made to tow away the overturned trailer, aiming to alleviate the congestion and restore traffic flow along the vital highway route.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of road travel and the potential dangers posed by heavy vehicle accidents, particularly those involving hazardous cargo like crude oil.

Unfortunately, this incident follows closely on the heels of another tragic accident along the Busia-Kisumu highway, where a collision between a passenger bus and a petroleum-laden trailer resulted in fatalities. Despite the valiant efforts of rescue teams, the driver and co-driver of the tanker succumbed to the impact of the collision.

Authorities continue to emphasize the importance of road safety measures and vigilance among drivers, urging caution to prevent similar accidents from occurring in the future. As recovery efforts proceed and investigations into the cause of these accidents unfold, the safety and well-being of all road users remain paramount.