Highway Inferno: Scores Feared Dead in Eldoret-Webuye Tanker Blast!

A tragic incident unfolded on the Eldoret-Webuye road near Paul Boit Secondary School in Turbo, Uasin Gishu County, on September 17, 2026. An oil tanker overturned, subsequently sparking a deadly fire after reports indicated that local residents rushed to siphon fuel from the vehicle. Uasin Gishu County Police Commander Wilberforce Sicharani was present at the scene, leading rescue operations. He initially confirmed the recovery of two bodies and warned that the death toll could rise as search efforts were still underway.

The fire, which caused significant loss of life and injuries, has since been brought under control. Confirmed reports state that two individuals have died, and nine injured persons are currently admitted at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret. Other injured victims were transported to different hospitals following the Thursday night incident.

Preliminary investigations into the cause of the fire suggest that it may have been triggered when someone attempted to remove the battery from the overturned tanker. This action, combined with the reported siphoning of fuel by residents, is believed to have ignited the blaze. Commander Sicharani affirmed that rescue and assessment efforts are ongoing, and a comprehensive briefing will be issued once more details are established through thorough investigation.

Traffic officers have been deployed to ascertain the exact number of casualties and their current locations. The scene of the accident has since been cleared, and normal traffic flow has been restored on the Eldoret-Webuye road. Authorities continue their detailed inquiries into the full circumstances surrounding this unfortunate event.