Faith Chandianya, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and Current Affairs in Kenya

An oil tanker has overturned along the Nairobi Southern Bypass between the virtual weighbridge and the Ngong' Interchange.

The Saturday, July 5 accident has caused a huge traffic snarl-up on the busy highway. The vehicles were captured stranded as responders worked to clear the wreckage off the road.

In response to this, the Kenya National Highway Authority (KeNHA) took to their social media platforms to warn Kenyans of the traffic disruption.

"The Kenya National Highways Authority regrets to notify the public of the temporary closure of the Nairobi Southern Bypass (Kikuyu Bound) between the virtual weighbridge and Ngong Interchange. This is due to an oil tanker that has overturned on the road, blocking the traffic passage," the statement read in part.

Motorists have been urged to use alternative routes, including the Waiyaki Way or the Uhuru Highway, which have already been cleared of the oil spillage.

Road users were also requested to cooperate with the police officer and the marshals who were at the scene after the accident happened.

In a follow-up statement, the highway authority issued a statement affirming that the major road could be used.

"The Kenya National Highways Authority seeks to notify the public of the traffic restoration along the Nairobi Southern Bypass (Kikuyu Bound) between the virtual weighbridge and Ngong Interchange," the statement read in part.

They further confirmed that the oil tanker that had blocked the road had been removed. Motorists were also advised to approach the area with caution.

Fuel tanker overturns along Kisumu- Busia Highway

This comes months after a fuel tanker overturned along the Kisumu-Busia Highway while allegedly speeding.

The driver was reportedly driving towards the Kenya-Uganda border when his vehicle was involved in the accident.

The incident occurred a few metres from the Butula Police Station, prompting the police to react faster as Busia residents rushed towards the tanker.

Police officer struggled to contain the crowd whose goal was the siphon the free oil. Despite police insisting on the dangers of their actions, the residents didn't stop.

The incident reignited the debate over the dangers of fuel theft and the recurring risks that have been associated with overturned tankers.

Source: TUKO.co.ke