This archive report was first published on 18 July 2021.
At least 13 people have lost their lives in a tragic fuel tanker accident on the Kisumu-Busia Road in Gem Siaya County.
The incident occurred on July 17, 2021 at around 9pm when a petrol tanker overturned and caught fire after the driver of a lorry ferrying milk collided with it.
According to Gem OCPD Mosera Chacha, the lorry swerved off the road, causing the tanker to swerve off as well and fall onto its side.
"The members of the public took advantage and went to siphon the petrol as one compartment of the tanker was open. Another resident realising the other compartment was closed and delaying them, opened it to enable them to siphon very fast before the police could arrive in the process it caused a spark and blew up," said Chacha.
Chacha added that the fire was eventually contained with the help of fire engines from Busia County, but not before 13 people had lost their lives and 11 others were injured.
The tanker remains at the scene, while the lorry is at the Yala sub-county police station.
