Some 13 people died as 11 others are nursing injuries in health facilities after an overturned petrol tanker they were siphoning fuel from exploded on Saturday, July 17, at 9 pm. [File, Standard]Residents of North Gem, Siaya County have attributed the Saturday night fire incident to the poor state of the economy, saying the victims were out for a quick source of income. One of the residents told The Standard on camera that after the tanker fell, people were trying to fend for themselves when, unfortunately, it blew up. Police reports indicate the fire started when one of the victims opened the tanker compartment to siphon petrol faster, presumably before the police arrived and dispersed them. "The members of the public took advantage and went to siphon the petrol as one compartment of the tanker was open.

Source: Standard Digital July 18, 2021 09:22 UTC