A petrol tanker driver and his conductor escaped death by a whisker after their vehicle burst into flames at Lower Kipkaren area a few meters from Musembe trading center along Eldoret – Webuye highway in Lugari Sub County.
Confirming the incident, Lugari Sub County Police Commander Bernard Ngungu said the incident occurred a few minutes past 11pm after the tanker which was transporting about 31,000 liters of petrol destined to Democratic Republic of Congo developed a mechanical problem before going up in flames.
The police boss said the driver and his conductor jumped out of the burning vehicle and escaped without injuries.
Tens of residents living nearby rushed to the scene and using water tried unsuccessfully to put off the fire which broke out from the engine thus causing a tremendous explosion.
Mr. Ngungu said firefighters from the county government of Kakamega were contacted and responded immediately, rushed to the scene and managed to contain the fire.
The incident caused a heavy traffic snarl up of mostly the long distance vehicles after the busy highway was blocked for more than an hour.
