MTRH Treats 22 Victims After Eldoret Tanker Explosion as Two Die
seven patients have severe burns, with each sustaining burns covering between 40 and 50 per cent of their bodies
The lid of the fuel tanker that exploded along the Eldoret-Webuye Road in Uasin Gishu County.
By James Gitaka
Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) is treating 22 victims following the petrol tanker explosion along the Eldoret-Webuye Road in Uasin Gishu County, with two people dead and several others nursing serious burn injuries.
MTRH Chief Executive Officer Dr. Philip Kirwa said the two fatalities were burnt beyond recognition, while the 20 survivors are receiving treatment for injuries sustained in the fire.
Of those undergoing treatment, seven patients have severe burns, with each sustaining burns covering between 40 and 50 per cent of their bodies, according to Dr. Kirwa.
Three of the severely injured patients have been intubated and placed on ventilatory support, while four are breathing on their own but remain under close monitoring by medical teams.
Dr. Kirwa said five patients are expected to be released as their condition improves, while seven others remain unwell and require continued medical attention.
At least three patients require additional support, while some of the seven patients with extensive burns may require admission to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) depending on their clinical progression.
Other seriously injured victims are expected to be referred for specialised treatment where necessary.
The hospital has mobilised medical teams to manage the victims, with doctors closely monitoring those suffering extensive burns and possible complications arising from smoke or heat inhalation.
Governor expected to visit victims
Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii Chelilim is expected to visit MTRH to assess the condition of the survivors and meet medical teams involved in their treatment.
The governor’s expected visit comes as county and national emergency agencies continue coordinating the response to the tanker explosion.
Tanker explosion
The victims were injured after a petrol tanker overturned and caught fire near Paul Boit Secondary School along the Eldoret-Webuye Road on Thursday night.
The incident triggered a major emergency response involving police officers, firefighters, ambulance teams, the Kenya Red Cross Society and members of the public.
Initial reports from the scene indicated that people had gathered around the overturned tanker before the fire erupted.
Two people were confirmed dead, with their bodies so badly burnt that they could not immediately be identified.
Early field reports indicated that several casualties had been evacuated to hospitals, with subsequent assessments at MTRH putting the number of victims received at the facility at 22, including the two fatalities.
Investigations continue
Police are investigating the circumstances that led to the tanker overturning and the subsequent explosion.
Authorities are also expected to establish how the fire started and the circumstances surrounding the presence of members of the public near the overturned tanker.
The incident has once again highlighted the dangers associated with fuel tanker accidents, particularly when petroleum products spill following a road crash.
For the survivors at MTRH, doctors are now focused on stabilising those with extensive burns, managing respiratory complications and monitoring patients whose conditions could deteriorate.
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