Three people have died after inhaling petrol fumes while siphoning fuel from an overturned tanker in Kipkaren area, Eldoret. The tanker landed in a ditch at Kipkaren market along the Eldoret-Malaba Road on Sunday night. Another person who was admitted at Lumakanda Sub-County hospital has been treated and discharged.
The tanker is said to have lost control and veered off the road at a climbing lane at around 7.30 pm. Almost immediately, locals, oblivious to the danger, rushed to the scene with jerry cans ready to siphon the fuel. Confirming the incident, Lugari Sub-County police commander Bernard Ngungu said officers had hard time controlling rowdy youths who wanted to siphon the fuel.
“Last night, we were forced to use teargas to disperse a crowd that was surging around the tanker. It is unfortunate that life has been lost through such an incident. Kenyans must learn and always keep off such scenes,” said Mr. Ngungu. The police boss said the bodies were taken to Kimbilio Hospital Mortuary awaiting post-mortem.
Despite the deaths, even on Monday, defiant locals could still be seen fetching fuel from the overturned tanker. Among those who perished is a 22-year old Dominic Kibet, a graduate of Turbo Vocational Training Institute and resident of Chebarus village. His parents described him as a humble young man who always supported the family.
