A massive fire broke out early Saturday morning at Barnabas area along the Nairobi–Nakuru Highway, following the explosion of a fuel tanker. The inferno quickly spread to nearby vehicles, destroying at least four trucks and prompting the temporary closure of the busy highway.
According to eyewitnesses, the blaze started after one fuel tanker exploded, igniting several other parked tankers and cargo trucks, one of which was loaded with timber. The fire rapidly engulfed two fuel tankers and two lorries.
Emergency response teams from the Nakuru County Government, the Kenya Pipeline Company, and the Kenya Defence Forces were swiftly dispatched to the scene. The teams, aided by members of the public, worked tirelessly to contain the fire.
Speaking at the site, Nakuru County Police Commander Michael Mwaura thanked the multi-agency response team and the public for cooperating during the crisis.
“Let me take this opportunity to thank the three fire brigades, the disaster and rescue team from Nakuru County, Kenya Pipeline, the Kenya Army, and members of the public for heeding our call to stay away from the scene. Four vehicles, including fuel tankers and lorries, have been burnt to ashes — among them an FH Mitsubishi and a lorry,” said Commander Mwaura.
No casualties had been reported by the time of publication, but the fire caused major traffic disruptions, forcing authorities to temporarily shut down the Nakuru–Nairobi Highway.
Police say the exact cause of the explosion is still under investigation. Motorists have been urged to avoid the area and use alternative routes as cleanup and safety assessments continue.
