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Didacus Malowa, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.
Nairobi - On Thursday, August 29, a Coast Bus Company bus, which was full of passengers, burst into flames along the Nairobi-Mombasa highway.
TUKO.co.ke established that the passenger service vehicle burst into flames at the Mtito Andei area within Tsavo National Park.
Luckily, all the passengers were safely evacuated from the burning bus, and no injuries were recorded.
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After evacuation, the passengers were transferred to a rescue bus and continued their journey to Mombasa, where they reached safely.
According to initial reports the self-combustion was caused by brake fluid at the rear wheel.
TUKO.co.ke highlighted some of the safety measures one should undertake in the event their vehicle catches fire.
When you board a Public Service Vehicle (PSV), especially a long-distance bus, take a few seconds to familiarise yourself with emergency exits as soon as you board.
Most PSVs have clearly marked emergency exits, including windows and doors. If a fire breaks out, head for the nearest exit.
In some cases, the main door might be jammed, blocked by fire or just difficult to open
If this happens, do not waste time trying to force it open. Instead, look for alternative exits, such as emergency windows or other doors.
If you cannot open the emergency windows, break them using any available object. Some buses are equipped with tools for this purpose. If the one you have boarded doesn't have them, you can use your elbow or any hard object to break the glass.
In an emergency, do not waste time gathering personal belongings. Your life is more important than any material possession. The priority should be to get out of the vehicle as quickly as possible.
If you have to pass through smoke, cover your nose and mouth with a cloth to reduce inhalation of toxic fumes. Smoke inhalation can be more dangerous than the fire itself.
If you are in a position to help others, especially children, the elderly, or those with disabilities, do so—but only if it does not put you in immediate danger. Your safety is the priority.
Once you have escaped, move to a safe distance away from the vehicle—at least 100 feet if possible. This is important because fires in vehicles can cause explosions, and the fumes can be toxic.
Once safe, immediately report the incident to the police or other relevant authorities for action.
In a similar incident, TUKO.co.ke previously reported that on Saturday, August 24, a bus travelling from Nairobi to Marsabit caught fire in the Mwea area of Kirinyaga county.
Fortunately, over 40 passengers aboard the bus were safely evacuated. Footage from Ramogi TV shows the police on-site as people worked to extinguish the blaze.
As the fire was controlled, passengers gathered by the roadside with their luggage while onlookers gathered around the scene to witness the distressing event.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Meanwhile, the fire removed the rear wheel of the bus, showing how badly the damage was.
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