No lessons learnt from past oil tanker accidents

By Peter Orengo

As shock sweeps through the nation over the Sachang’wan tragedy, questions have arisen why no lessons have been learnt from previous tanker accidents.

Speaking at the scene where close to 100 people were burnt to death on Saturday, Internal Security Minister George Saitoti said: "It has become the norm for people to rush for free fuel whenever a tanker is involved in an accident, oblivious of the risks involved. This has to stop."

On July 13,1998, a petroleum tanker overturned and burst into flames during a scramble to loot fuel at Sidindi marker, about 50km from Kisumu.

Thirty-nine people died and scores were hospitalised with serious burns.

Police investigation then confirmed that a resident started the fire by striking a matchstick. Elders, who met local leaders at the scene, said the man wanted to punish others for allegedly preventing him from fetching fuel.

Many victims were onlookers who were caught unawares. Among them was a pregnant woman. Others were school children who had joined the scramble for fuel.

Then, leaders urged the Government to introduce radio programmes to enlighten the public about such disasters.

Nothing tangible was, however, done to that effect, as similar accidents were later witnessed.

Burst into flames

In 2003, a tanker rolled and burst into flames as a crowd was siphoning fuel in Mucatha, Kiambu District. Three people died and several were injured.

On April 5, 2006, residents of Roysambu, Nairobi, scrambled to siphon diesel from a tanker that had overturned.

Mothers with babies strapped to their backs pushed men as they fought for what they considered a godsend. Matatu operators bought the loot on the spot.

The tanker was ferrying 3,500 litres of diesel. Fortunately, the only injuries were those from the scramble. Three people were admitted to a nearby dispensary.

Police admitted that they could not contain the crowd.

Perhaps the latest tragedy is only comparable to the Athi River train disaster nine years ago. Residents describe the Saturday August 2000 incident as the day the wrath of God descended on them.

Eight wagons of 20 units ferrying cooking gas disengaged from a locomotive engine and rolled towards residential areas, ramming buildings and causing an explosion.

Eighteen people were burnt to death while more than 40 who survived the inferno, were scarred for life. More than 30 houses were reduced to charred rubble.

It was not clear what caused the crash although police and Railway officials said the wagons were detached at a station a few kilometres from Athi River as the train headed to Nairobi from Mombasa.

As Kenyans continue to mourn victims of the latest incident, questions will be asked whether the public is informed on dangers of fuel tankers.

Of concern is whether safety measures are in place to protect the public against disasters in waiting.

In 2006, a local trailer maker introduced tankers with enhanced safety features that do not allow fuel spills incase of accidents.

Safety valves

Called Safety Plus, the tankers are fitted with valves underneath that snap off in case of an accident and trap the fuel inside the container.

This eliminates loss of products besides ensuring that the environment is not degraded.

They also came with stickers and reflector strips for better visibility at night as well as highly placed reflector lights visible from afar, and clear warning in case of explosion.

Perhaps the Government should consider such safety measures if similar carnage is to be stopped.