Kakamega, Kenya – May 14, 2025
A horrifying road accident has claimed the lives of all passengers on board a vehicle that burst into flames after veering off the road at Makhokho along the Kisumu–Kakamega Highway.
According to reports circulating on social media, the vehicle was reportedly carrying ethanol and was being chased by police officers from Iguhu Police Station when the incident occurred. The tragic crash happened near Makhokho Boys High School and has sent shockwaves across the region.
Eyewitnesses at the scene described a disturbing sequence of events. The vehicle, a small cargo transporter, is said to have been loaded with jerry cans suspected to contain ethanol—a highly flammable substance. As it sped along the highway, allegedly trying to evade arrest, it suddenly lost control, overturned, and immediately burst into flames.
“All we saw was a fireball after the crash. There were no screams. Everything went silent after the explosion,” said a boda boda operator who was a few metres from the scene.
Authorities have since confirmed that at least two individuals were inside the vehicle at the time of the incident. Both perished in the blaze. However, due to the severity of the fire, the exact number of casualties and identities of the victims remain unknown as forensic investigations are ongoing.
The involvement of the police has raised serious questions about the circumstances that led to the deadly chase. Residents allege that the vehicle had been trailed from as far back as Iguhu area, suggesting it may have been under surveillance or involved in illicit transportation of ethanol.
Local leaders and human rights activists are now calling for a full investigation to establish whether proper police procedures were followed and whether the chase was justified.
“This tragedy could have been avoided. We demand accountability and transparency. Was there a warrant? Why was a high-speed chase necessary?” posed one local resident.
The wreckage has since been towed to a local police station, and the scene secured to prevent tampering with evidence. Police officers from the Kakamega County Traffic Department, alongside fire officials and forensic experts, are currently piecing together the events that led to the catastrophe.
Ethanol, a highly volatile and combustible substance, is often used in the production of illicit brews across parts of Western Kenya. Its transportation without proper authorization and safety measures is illegal under Kenyan law.
As families await the identification of the victims, this tragedy serves as a grim reminder of the dangers posed by unsafe transportation of flammable substances and the need for safer law enforcement protocols.
More updates to follow as investigations continue.
