This archive report was first published on 18 July 2021.
On a fateful Sunday morning, July 18, 2021, a petrol tanker exploded into flames in Malanga, along the Kisumu-Busia road, claiming the lives of 13 people.
The victims had been scooping leaking fuel from the trailer when the tanker burst into flames, leaving scores of others with serious burns.
According to Gem Sub County Police Commander Charles Chacha, the 4am incident in Gem Sub County left 12 people dead on the spot, with the thirteenth succumbing to injuries while receiving treatment.
Chacha further stated that 11 people, including children, were admitted at Yala Sub County Hospital with serious burns.
The police boss explained that a trailer ferrying milk from Busia towards Kisumu had veered off the road to avoid a head-on collision with the petrol tanker, which then hit another oncoming vehicle, causing the tanker to burst into flames.
Locals poured onto the highway, scooping petrol that was flowing in every direction, despite the danger.
Firefighters from Siaya and Kisumu arrived at the scene two hours after the incident was reported, but their efforts to put out the fire were unsuccessful.
