The death count from the Thursday night tanker explosion on the Eldoret‑Turbo road increased to three after a third victim succumbed while being treated at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH).

MTRH is currently caring for 22 injured individuals, including seven in intensive care with burns covering more than a quarter of their bodies.

Other survivors have sustained facial and body burns and remain under medical observation.

What triggered the blaze

Uasin Gishu County Police Commander Wilberforce Sicharani said the tanker, carrying petrol and diesel, lost control after colliding with another vehicle in the Paul Boit area, spilling fuel onto the road.

Members of the public gathered to collect the leaking fuel, and the fire is believed to have started when someone came into contact with the vehicle’s battery, though police have not yet confirmed the exact cause.

Official response and support

Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii visited MTRH to express condolences, urged residents to stay away from fuel‑tanker accident sites, and highlighted ongoing discussions with the Kenya National Highways Authority to reroute tankers via the Eldoret Southern Bypass.

The county government, together with the Kenya Red Cross and other emergency teams, coordinated rescue operations, transport of the injured to hospital, and assistance for affected families.