At approximately 10:25 am, a fuel tanker traveling from Mombasa Road toward Lang’ata Road swerved to avoid a stalled truck on the highway. In the process, the tanker veered into the oncoming lane and collided head-on with a yellow truck heading toward Kikuyu.
The Casualty: The driver of the truck carrying flour was killed on the spot. His body was retrieved by emergency responders as relatives and onlookers gathered at the scene.
Injuries: The driver of the fuel tanker sustained injuries and was rescued before being rushed to a nearby hospital, where he is currently in stable condition.
Property Damage: The ensuing fireball quickly engulfed both heavy vehicles and spread to at least three other vehicles caught in the impact zone.
Public Safety Risk: Moments of panic ensued as some individuals, including boda boda riders, reportedly rushed to the scene to scoop spilled fuel before the fire ignited—a dangerous habit that police had to forcefully disperse.
Current Traffic Status
The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has temporarily closed the Southern Bypass in both directions to allow for fire containment and the clearing of debris. Motorists are advised to:
Use Lang’ata Road or Mombasa Road as alternatives.
Expect heavy tailbacks stretching toward the Ole Sereni interchange.
