A heavy traffic snarl-up has been reported along Mombasa Road following a tragic accident in which two trailers collided before bursting into flames.
The incident happened on Monday, March 2, 2026, in the morning as scores of city residents and travellers plying the busy road made their way to town, with others heading out.
Red Cross noted that the tragic crash happened at Green Park Area along Mombasa Road in Machakos County.
“An incident involving a fuel tanker that burst into flames has been reported at Green Park Area along Mombasa Road in Machakos County. Emergency teams are responding,” the statement reads in part.
Official statement
An official statement confirming the number of casualties or survivors is yet to be issued amid fears that lives may have been lost in the tragedy.
The accident comes hot on the heels of another tragedy that claimed several lives along the Southern bypass.
In the incident which happened on January 24, 2026, an oil tanker exploded into a ball of fire after a collision along the Southern Bypass, behind Carnivore.
KENHA confirms accident
Kenya National Highways Authority (KENHA) issued a statement advising motorists to use alternative routes and confirming the closure of the road to clear the area.
“Following the accident, one fuel tanker reportedly fell from the Southern Bypass onto the lower road and burst into flames, presenting a significant fire and explosion risk. Consequently, the Southern Bypass has been temporarily closed to facilitate emergency response and ensure public safety,” they stated.
Witnesses recounted that the tanker’s trailer overturned and landed on the left-hand side of the dual carriageway, with part of the trailer thrown off Swaminarayan Street.
The fuel tanker burst into flames before, sending thick plumes of smoke into the air as emergency rescue teams responded.
The incident involved two trailers that collided after one reportedly lost power while on the climbing lane, with the second one ramming into it and veering off the roads as it attempted to avoid a collision.
