Fuel Tanker Fire Closes Southern Bypass; Separate Blaze Destroys Thika Market - January 2026

On Saturday, January 24, a fuel tanker overturned and exploded into flames on the Southern Bypass near Carnivore in Nairobi following a collision with a lorry. The incident prompted emergency operations and forced the temporary closure of the bypass, causing significant traffic disruption. The explosion produced thick black smoke affecting traffic near Wilson Airport. In a separate incident on Friday night, a massive fire erupted at the Makongeni market in Thika, Kiambu County. This blaze destroyed numerous businesses and property of unknown value. The market fire followed another significant fire on Thursday, January 22, along Jogoo Road near Nairobi's CBD.

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Saturday 11:46 AMCapital News

Fuel Tanker Fire Forces Closure of Southern Bypass

The Southern Bypass in Nairobi has been temporarily closed due to a fuel tanker overturning and catching fire near the Carnivore area. This incident has prompted emergency operations and raised concerns over the highly flammable cargo.