The fuel tanker that burst into flames after its tire burst forcing it to lose control killing the driver at Koteko of Teso District along the Malaba- Bungoma Highway. [ PHOTO | Carren Papai | West Fm]

Two people are feared dead after being involved in a fuel tanker accident Friday Morning at Koteko of Teso District along the busy Malaba- Bungoma highway.

Teso OCPD Elphas Korir who confirmed the incident said that the fuel tanker carrying a capacity of 35,000l of fuel was headed to Kampala from Kenya Pipeline Company in Nakuru before it had a tire bust, forcing it to lose control before it burst into flames killing two.

Korir suspected that apart from the driver’s body that laid behind the lorry two or one more could also have been burnt following several ribs spotted in the burning truck.   

The 7AM incident attracted residents who watched in vain as the driver tried to escaped, but was restrained by the smoke before he died painfully. 

Mr. Korir regretted saying the efforts meant to stop the fire immediately was delayed because of the long queue that hindered the fire brigade squad from Bungoma to contain the situation.

Eyewitnesses at the scene lamented about increased truck accidents that have claimed the lives of drivers and villagers calling upon the OCPD to find along lasting solution to a place that has now become a hot spot.

In response, the Teso Boss assured the residents that plans are underway to construct bumps and he pleaded with the drivers who witnessed the scene to adhere by traffic rules and regulations in a bid to curb the problem in the area.

 He cautioned the drivers to drive carefully as the road that is under construction and rehabilitation tends to be slippery sometimes hence asked them to slow down and drive with caution.