Two killed after oil tanker loses control, bursts into flames along Meru-Nanyuki Road

A driver and his co-driver were burnt beyond recognition after an oil tanker lost control and burst into flames Thursday morning at Subuiga black spot along Meru-Nanyuki Road. [PHOTO: PATRICK MUTHURI/STANDARD]

Meru, Kenya: At least two people died instantly when an oil tanker lost control at Subuiga black spot and rolled several times before exploding into fierce flames.

People, who were in a nearby curio shop and those who had rushed to scoop petrol, escaped death by a whisker, when the fierce flames started spreading to the adjacent areas.

Buuri OCPD Nicholus Musili said the lorry was traveling from Nairobi to Isiolo via Nanyuki when the accident occurred at the notorious black spot.

"We suspect the brakes failed while the lorry was negotiating a sharp corner. It rolled several times and exploded into fierce flames," said the OCPD.

He said the fire was so fierce that the fire fighters and residents were completely unable to extinguish it.

The OCPD said the driver and loader of the lorry were burned beyond recognition during the Thursday morning accident.

An eye witness, Daniel Bundi, said he only spotted the vehicle when it started to over speed before it rolled several times and burst into fierce flames.