Transport was disrupted along the Eldoret-Webuye road on Saturday, January 11, after a fuel tanker overturned, causing chaos as residents scrambled for the spilling fuel.
The accident happened when the trailer, which was ferrying fuel, reportedly lost control, veered off the highway, and overturned near a thicket in the Mukhonje area of Kakamega County.
Shortly after the incident, a large crowd of residents rushed to the scene, desperate to collect the leaking fuel despite the clear danger involved.
Police officers arrived to control the situation and prevent people from siphoning the fuel, but the determined locals overpowered them and continued collecting the fuel using jerricans and other containers.
Videos and photos circulating on social media captured the dramatic moments, showing hundreds of people storming the area with jerricans in hand, determined to collect as much fuel as possible.
Some footage showed traffic police officers watching helplessly as the crowd surrounded the overturned tanker, ignoring the obvious risk of a possible explosion.
While many were busy scooping the fuel, others stood at a distance, recording the chaotic scenes on their phones, seemingly unbothered by the life-threatening danger the situation posed.
NEWS UPDATE
— Goddie (@Goddie_Ke) January 11, 2025
Fuel Tanker overturns along Eldoret – Webuye Highway at Mukhonje. Locals scramble for Fuel. Kenyans don't learn pic.twitter.com/TfIzw5PMN6
