The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has warned the public about safety risks associated with petroleum and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) tanker accidents.
In a notice on September 24, 2026, EPRA said it continues to receive reports of road accidents involving petroleum and LPG tankers, some resulting in deaths and injuries.
“The Authority continues to receive reports of road accidents involving petroleum and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) tankers, some of which have tragically led to loss of life and injury to members of the public,” read the notice in part.
EPRA Lists Hidden Ignition Risks at Fuel Tanker Crash Scenes
EPRA said petroleum products are highly flammable and can ignite or explode without warning when spilled or leaked.
Possible ignition sources include vehicle engines, electrical equipment, naked flames, and sparks from static electricity.
“Sources of ignition include vehicle engines, electrical equipment, naked flames and even sparks from static electricity, such as that generated by nylon clothing,” EPRA listed.
The regulator said fires and explosions involving petroleum or LPG can result in fatalities and severe, lifelong injuries.
EPRA urged members of the public to keep at least 300 meters away from the scene of any petroleum or LPG tanker accident.
Public Warned Against Handling Spilled Fuel
The public was warned against scooping, siphoning, collecting, transporting or handling spilled petroleum products. EPRA said such actions could result in death or lifelong injuries.
“Do not scoop, siphon, collect, transport or handle spilled or leaking petroleum products. Doing so could cost you your life or leave you with lifelong injuries.”
The authority also advised people not to smoke, light fires or use naked flames near tanker accident scenes.
Also Read: EPRA Makes Electricity Half Price for Vehicle Owners at Certain Hours
It further warned against activities that could create sparks, including unnecessarily starting or running vehicles or equipment near a petroleum spill or LPG leak.
Members of the public were advised not to tamper with tanker valves, compartments or other equipment, or attempt to recover spilled petroleum products.
EPRA asked the public to give way to emergency responders, law enforcement officers and other authorized personnel managing accident scenes.
The authority also urged the public to promptly report petroleum or LPG tanker accidents, spills and fires to relevant emergency and regulatory agencies.
Recent Tanker Explosion Highlights Risks
According to the latest reports, a fuel tanker overturned after colliding with a saloon car near Paul Boit Secondary School in Turbo, Uasin Gishu, around 8:30 pm on September 17, 2026.
Also Read: Deaths and Mass Casualties as Fuel Tanker Overturns and Explodes
Fuel spilled from the tanker as residents gathered at the scene to siphon the fuel. The tanker later exploded, killing three people and injuring 23 others.
Police said the fire may have been triggered when someone attempted to remove the battery from the overturned tanker.
The incident prompted a multi-agency response involving police, firefighters, county ambulances and the Kenya Red Cross.
Eleven injured people were admitted to the ICU at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital with severe burns.
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