Six burnt to death after gas cylinder explodes in a matatu in Machakos

Six people were burnt to death after a gas cylinder exploded in a matatu in Yatta, Machakos county.

The 14-seater PSV caught fire after colliding head-on with a saloon car at a diversion at Kwa Majini Bridge on Matuu-Kithimani Road in Yatta.

Issa Mohamed, the chief of police in Machakos, said eight more persons were transported for treatment after suffering burns in the incident.

According to the area police base commander, ten people who suffered burns in the incident were evacuated to Matuu Level IV Hospital for treatment.

“The collision ignited a fire, which trapped individuals attempting to flee and delayed rescue efforts,” he explained.

The fire is alleged to have been started by an exploding gas cylinder.