Several people were injured after being burnt while attempting to siphon petrol from a tanker that overturned at Buema village in Kanduyi Constituency, Bungoma County. The incident occurred when the tanker, which was transporting fuel, was en route from Kanduyi towards the Malaba border. As the vehicle approached a bridge, the driver reportedly lost control a few metres before the structure, leading to the tanker overturning and spilling a significant amount of fuel onto the road and surrounding area. Following the accident, the driver fled the scene, leaving behind the overturned vehicle and the spilled petrol.
In the aftermath of the accident, residents of Buema village, drawn by the sight of the spilled petrol, rushed to the scene with the intention of collecting the fuel. However, their actions quickly turned dangerous as they began siphoning the petrol from the tanker. This prompted a swift response from local police officers, who arrived to manage the situation and ensure the safety of the community. The officers were faced with a growing crowd of residents, many of whom were eager to take advantage of the situation despite the potential hazards involved.
As the situation escalated, the police were forced to take drastic measures to disperse the crowd. They lobbed tear gas canisters into the area in an effort to control the chaos and prevent further injuries. The use of tear gas, however, led to panic among the residents, and a huge fire broke out during the incident, fueled by the spilled petrol. This sudden blaze sent many residents scrambling for safety, as flames quickly spread and created a hazardous environment.
The injuries sustained by those attempting to siphon petrol highlight the risks associated with such reckless behavior, especially in the presence of flammable materials. Emergency services were later called to the scene to assist those who were injured and to manage the fire that had erupted. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers involved in fuel siphoning and the importance of adhering to safety protocols during such emergencies. Local authorities are expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident and the subsequent response by residents and police, aiming to prevent similar incidents in the future.
