Four Dead, After Tanker Explosion along Eldoret-Turbo Road

Four people have been confirmed dead while 22 others are receiving treatment after a petroleum tanker exploded along the Eldoret-Turbo Road near Paul Boit Secondary School on Thursday night.

They are suspected to have died while attempting to collect fuel from the tanker after it was involved in an accident.

Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) Chief Executive Officer Dr Philip Kirwa on Friday said 22 survivors had been admitted to the hospital following the explosion.

Kirwa said seven of the victims are in critical condition after suffering burns affecting between 40 and 50 per cent of their bodies and are expected to require intensive care.

Three patients who are unable to breathe on their own have been intubated, while four others who are breathing independently are being closely monitored.

The hospital expects more victims to be brought in as emergency response efforts continue.

The Kenya Red Cross said the incident triggered a mass casualty response, with its teams working alongside police and firefighters at the scene.

The circumstances leading to the explosion and the extent of the damage are yet to be established.