Fuel Tanker Explodes on Nairobi’s Outering Road

A Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) tanker has exploded near Fedha estate along the outering road in Nairobi.

According to reports, the tanker exploded at around 1:30pm on Monday, June 3, 2024, near a bus terminal.

In videos and photos seen by The Kenya Times, a huge smoke and fire can be seen engulfing the tanker as onlookers maintained a safe distance from the scene.

Also, firefighters could be seen working to extinguish the fire.

So far, two people have reportedly been injured as a result of the incident. According to reports the driver of the tanker abandoned the vehicle after it burst into flames.

Police said they were yet to establish if the driver of the lorry was safe, adding that the Primary objective was to have residents and motorists evacuate the area immediately for their safety.

Further reports indicate that police officers have blocked traffic on the road and advised motorists to find alternative routes.

The cause of the explosion and value of the damaged property is yet to be determined.

Moments later, firefighters managed to put out the flames after which members of the public were seen gathering around the remains of the truck.

Also Read: Gas Leak Reported After Fuel Tanker Overturns Along Busy Highway

Previous Embakasi Gas Explosion

This is not the first incident of a gas explosion happening in Embakasi area of Nairobi.

On February 1, there was a huge explosion at the Mradi area in Embakasi after a lorry that was loaded with gas cylinders exploded, igniting a huge ball of fire that spread widely.

One of the cylinders hit an Oriental garments and textile godown in the area burning it down completely. The inferno also damaged several vehicles, commercial properties, and residential homes.

The explosion left twelve people dead and scores seriously injured and homeless.

Investigations into the explosion later revealed that residents had complained to the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) over the presence of the potentially explosive facility at a highly populated residential area.

The gas storage and refilling plant that exploded at Mradi Village had unsuccessfully applied for permits three times from Energy and Petroleum Regulatory (EPRA)

Also Read: Embakasi Fire: 4 Arrested as DCI Unmasks Five Wanted Suspects

Embakasi Fire Victims Sue Government

Following the incident, victims of the Embakasi fire have filed a lawsuit seeking compensation from the government for negligence.

The petitioners contend that NEMA’s public admission of its officials’ irregular issuance of an environmental impact assessment license for the plant constitutes an admission of guilt.

“The highlighted public statements constitute a public admission of negligence and serious lapses by the 2nd to 6th Respondents regarding the irregular and unlawful construction and operation of the LPG,” the suit reads in part.

Part of their appeal included a request for the court to order compensation for damages to their health, the environment, and the loss of lives.

The lawsuit implicates four government agencies among them NEMA and the County Government of Nairobi.

Also sued are the Attorney General, Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Cabinet Secretary for Energy and the owner of the ill-fated gas tanker, Mwangi Nguyo.

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