One dead, 3 injured as gas tanker crashes on Nairobi-Mombasa Highway

One person died and three others were seriously injured on Tuesday morning after two trucks collided at Chyulu Hills on the Nairobi – Mombasa highway.

The 2am accident occurred after the driver of a gas tanker tried to overtake and collided head-on with on oncoming truck, igniting a fire from the leaking gas tanker.

The truck ferrying LPG gas was heading to Nairobi from Mombasa while the other truck was transporting a 40-feet container towards Mombasa.

Confirming the accident, Makueni County Commissioner Mohammed Maalim said three other vehicles were also involved in the accident.

Mr. Maalim said the driver of the gas tanker died on the spot with the injured being rushed to Voi and Kibwezi Hospitals.

The accident caused a heavy traffic snarl up, with the police issuing alternative routes for motorists travelling to and from Nairobi.

“Motorists are advised of the following diversions: Those from Nairobi heading to Mombasa should divert at Emali and take the Loitoktok- Taveta Road then head to Voi. Those traveling from Mombasa to Nairobi to divert at Voi and take Taveta- Loitoktok- Emali Road to Nairobi, ” said the National Police Service.

Members of the public were also advised to keep away from the scene as the leaking gas was highly flammable.