Death toll from Gem fuel tanker explosion rises to 15
The death toll from Malanga in Gem, Siaya County fuel tanker explosion has so far hit 15 as two more victims die.
The victims succumbed at the Siaya County Referral Hospital where they were receiving medical attention.
The hospital’s medical superintendent Dr. Liech Odoyo said there are no more missing victims as they have all been accounted for.
Additionally, he said DNA examinations would be conducted on tomorrow to ascertain the identity of the victims.
The area Member of Parliament, Elisha Odhiambo said that families affected by fuel tanker explosion will get Sh50,000 aid from the national government.
He called on petroleum firms to also come to the aid of the families and help create awareness on petroleum products and the risk involved.
Odhiambo urged President Uhuru Kenyatta to help the citizens.
Seven months pregnant woman was among the victims who died on Saturday night explosion moments after a tanker ferrying petrol was involved in an accident on the Kisumu- Busia highway.
Dozens of people are nursing burn injuries at Yala Sub-county Referral Hospital
Rift Valley regional Coordinator George Natembeya regretted the incident and urged Kenyans to stop rushing to such scenes for their own safety.
“Siphoning fuel and looting accident victims of their valuables is wrong. It has become common in highways, despite deaths and warnings issued against such behaviour. If you are not there to save lives, please stay away and let experienced first responders deal with the situation,” he said.
He added that looting is a crime and those siphoning oil should face the law.
