NAIVASHA, Kenya, Dec. 12 — At least 33 people have been confirmed dead and several others injured after an oil tanker crashed into other vehicles and burst into flames in Naivasha, about 90 km northwest of Kenya, disaster officials said on Sunday.
Pius Masai, deputy director of the National Disaster Management Unit, said the 11 vehicles were also burnt after the accident happened on the Nakuru-Nairobi road at 9:30 p.m. local time (1830 GMT) on Saturday.
Deputy county commissioner Isaac Masinde said the driver of the fuel tanker lost control of the tanker which then rammed into other vehicles in Karai area, creating a horrible scene.
Witnesses said the fuel tanker exploded and the blaze engulfed other vehicles with passengers inside.
The accident has also caused a heavy traffic snarl-up along the busy highway.
“This is a serious chemical accident. Police and other rescuers are still at the scene clearing debris and assisting victims. We caution road users including drivers to exercise care and collaborate with emergency teams until the situation returns to normal,” Masai said.
It is feared that the death toll could rise further given the number of vehicles involved.
Kenya Red Cross said that rescuers had taken 30 bodies to Naivasha Sub-County Hospital Mortuary.
The accident happened as health workers in the country are on strike against the government’s failure to deliver on its promise to raise their wages.
H/T- Xinhua
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