A 19-year-old petrol station attendant has died after suffering severe burns while serving a motorcycle operator during a power blackout in South Ngariama, Mwea, Kirinyaga County.
Joan Wangeci, who worked at Gold Village petrol station, died at Kimbimbi Sub-County Hospital, where she had been rushed following the incident.
Residents led by David Mwangi said Wangeci had reportedly lit a candle to continue serving customers after electricity went off at the station.
The incident occurred when a motorcyclist arrived to buy fuel. Wangeci was pouring petrol from a jug into the motorcycle when a fire broke out, leaving her with extensive burns.
Good Samaritans rushed her to Kimbimbi Sub-County Hospital, where medical personnel tried to stabilise her as plans were made to transfer her to Kenyatta National Hospital for specialised treatment. However, she died before the transfer could be completed.
Mwangi said residents and family members were informed that Wangeci had suffered burns covering approximately 81 per cent of her body.
Her death sent shockwaves through South Ngariama and the wider Kimbimbi area, with residents gathering at the hospital after learning of the tragedy.
Susan Wangari, a resident who was overcome with emotion upon seeing Wangeci’s body, described her as a hardworking young woman who was dedicated to her job and serving customers.
Wangeci had reportedly continued attending to customers despite the blackout, unaware of the danger posed by using an open flame near petrol.
Residents also recounted the emotional moments before her death. Mwangi said Wangeci handed over the money collected from fuel sales to the station owner and apologised to him. The owner was reportedly overwhelmed with grief at the hospital.
Another resident, Peter Njeru, expressed regret over the incident, saying the station could have been temporarily closed until electricity was restored.
Residents described Wangeci’s death as an unprecedented tragedy in their area, mourning the loss of a young woman whose life was cut short while carrying out her duties.
The incident has also highlighted the dangers of handling petrol near open flames. Petrol releases highly flammable vapours that can ignite easily, making candles, matches and other ignition sources hazardous in fuel-handling areas.
Authorities are expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
