A tragic accident occurred on the Kakamega-Kisumu highway near Makhoko Commercial Centre when a vehicle ferrying ethanol burst into flames after the driver attempted to evade police officers. The driver lost control of the vehicle, resulting in a fatal fire and several injuries to bystanders caught up in the chaos.
The incident unfolded as the driver, who was transporting ethanol, sped away from police officers who had signaled for the vehicle to stop. In the high-speed chase, the driver lost control, crashed into a barrier, and the vehicle subsequently rolled multiple times. The crash caused the ethanol to ignite, engulfing the vehicle in flames. The driver was fatally injured in the blaze.
In addition to the driver’s death, three other people were injured in the incident. Among those hurt were a boda boda rider and his passenger, who were caught in the path of the out-of-control vehicle. The three injured individuals were rushed to Kakamega General Hospital and are reported to be in critical condition.
Witnesses at the scene described the terrifying sequence of events. One eyewitness noted that the driver’s frantic attempt to avoid the police led to the loss of control, which ultimately caused the devastating crash. The vehicle’s violent rollover and the subsequent fire caused significant destruction in the area, further complicating rescue efforts.
The police have since launched an investigation into the incident. Authorities are looking into the circumstances surrounding the driver’s attempt to flee and whether any factors, such as vehicle conditions or road safety, may have contributed to the accident.
This tragic event highlights the dangers associated with transporting hazardous materials like ethanol, especially when involved in reckless driving behavior. Ethanol is highly flammable, and accidents involving its transport require careful handling and adherence to safety regulations to prevent disasters.
The accident has raised concerns among local residents and road users about the safety of transporting flammable goods on busy highways, as well as the risks posed by attempts to evade law enforcement. Such incidents can have devastating consequences not only for those directly involved but also for innocent bystanders.
Emergency responders arrived promptly at the scene to extinguish the fire and provide medical assistance to the injured. However, the severity of the flames and the hazardous nature of the cargo complicated rescue efforts. First responders had to exercise caution to avoid further casualties.
The injured boda boda rider and his passenger are currently receiving medical treatment at Kakamega General Hospital. Their conditions remain critical, and doctors are closely monitoring their progress. The community has expressed sympathy for the victims and their families, calling for increased road safety measures and better enforcement of regulations regarding the transportation of dangerous goods.
Local authorities have urged drivers to adhere to traffic laws and to cooperate with police officers during stops to avoid such tragic outcomes. They also reiterated the importance of responsible driving, especially when transporting flammable materials, to protect lives and property.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of reckless behavior on the roads, particularly when combined with hazardous cargo. The police investigation aims to uncover all the facts and determine accountability, while the community awaits measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
