SIAYA,Kenya, July 21 – The Siaya County Referral Hospital’s medical superintendent Dr. Liech Odoyo, has confirmed that two more people have succumbed to their injuries following the Siaya fuel tanker explosion on Saturday night along the Kisumu-Busia road bringing the total number of deaths to 19.
So far, 20 survivors of the road tragedy are receiving treatment at the Siaya County Referral Hospital, five are being treated at the Yala sub-county hospital while one is recuperating at the Inuka hospital in Siaya county.
“We are monitoring their situation but they are still under heavy medication,” said Dr. Odoyo.
On Tuesday, July 21, 15 individuals who reported their kin missing shortly after the explosion submitted themselves to the Siaya County Referral Hospital upon which swab samples were collected from them awaiting further DNA analysis to confirm the identities of the deceased.
“DNA analysis has been done for the 13 who died on the spot, six bodies have been identified as male while seven are female,”
Results of the analysis of the samples which will confirm the identities of the deceased are expected to be released in two weeks.
Area governor Cornel Rasanga meanwhile held meetings with the county’s security committee, revising long term strategies that will seek to avert future disasters along the highway as well as sensitizing residents on the dangers of such incidents.
“My government will be waving all hospital bills for the accident victims and support bereaved families with burial expenses and some token.” said Rasanga who further said, “We have been outstretched,the county government can not manage to sustain the treatment of those who are there. Most of the burns have affected the skins and it means without the skin, there is no life, and so we seriously need support through the disaster committee, e are also appealing to the bodies that have been assisting us.”
Authorities told Shahidi News that the victims were siphoning fuel from the tanker, after it was involved in an accident.
Gem Sub-County Police Commander Charles Chacha said the accident happened at around 10.45pm in Malanga village on Saturday July,17,2021.
“A trailer was avoiding a head on collision with the fuel tanker when the accident occurred,” he said.
“The trailer which was ferrying 20 tonnes of milk, veered off the road to avoid plunging into the tanker which was heading to Busia.”
The Sub-County Police Commander said the tanker hit the trailer and rolled emptying its contents by the roadside.
“Unfortunately, members of the public quickly gathered around and started siphoning the fuel,” he said.
“Moments later, the fuel tanker burst into flames. We have counted at least twelve bodies at the scene. Eleven casualties were rushed to the nearby Yala sub-county hospital for treatment.” said Chacha this past Sunday after the incident.
The victims were admitted at Siaya county referral hospital, Inuka hospital and at Yala sub county hospital.
In February 2009, a total of 110 people died after a fuel tanker burst into flames two hours after it overturned at Sachangwan along the Nakuru-Eldoret highway.
Still in 2009, a fuel tanker and a matatu were involved in an accident along the Luanda–Busia road.
Locals scrambled for the spilled fuel despite efforts by police officers to stop them. Five people died after the spillage flared up.
Tens of lives have been lost in the country through such accidents.
Want to send us a story? Contact Shahidi News Tel: +254115512797 (Mobile & WhatsApp)
