Uasin Gishu County emergency services have issued a strong warning to the public against approaching or siphoning fuel from accident-involved tankers, following a potentially disastrous petroleum spill at Maili Nne on the Eldoret–Malaba highway.
The incident occurred on Friday when a fuel tanker transporting approximately 39,000 litres of petrol from the Eldoret Pipeline Company depot to Kampala overturned while the driver attempted to park on the roadside. According to local authorities, the vehicle slipped into a ditch and capsized during a failed towing attempt by another truck.
Firefighters and police responded swiftly to secure the scene, dispersing a crowd of bystanders who had begun to gather in an attempt to collect leaking fuel. Fire Superintendent Hassan Wangwero warned that such actions are not only illegal but life-threatening.
“Fuel spills pose a grave danger due to the risk of toxic vapor inhalation, fire, and explosions,” said Wangwero. “We urge members of the public to keep a safe distance and allow emergency teams to manage such incidents.”
The leaked petrol began flowing towards nearby homes and water sources, prompting urgent containment efforts. Emergency crews deployed foam to neutralize the fuel and prevent environmental damage, especially to nearby rivers.
Area Assistant Chief Ezekiel Bwambok confirmed the circumstances of the accident and reiterated the importance of community cooperation during emergencies. “The crowding and fuel siphoning attempts posed a major challenge to our response,” he noted.
County officials continue to emphasize the severe safety and legal consequences of tampering with fuel tankers or interfering with emergency operations. Authorities are urging residents to report accidents rather than rush to the scene, underscoring that a single spark could lead to a deadly inferno.
No injuries were reported, and investigations into the incident are ongoing.
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