A bus belonging to Coast Bus Company burst into flames on August 29 along the Nairobi-Mombasa highway. Fortunately, all passengers were evacuated safely without any injuries. The incident occurred near Mtito Andei, within Tsavo National Park.
The bus, which was en route to Mombasa, caught fire due to what preliminary investigations revealed to be a brake fluid issue at the rear wheel. Following the evacuation, passengers were transferred to a rescue bus and continued their journey to Mombasa, arriving safely.
Key Safety Measures in Case of a Bus Fire
TUKO.co.ke emphasizes the importance of knowing how to respond in the event of a vehicle fire. Here are critical safety measures to keep in mind:
- Locate and Use Emergency Exits
Upon boarding a Public Service Vehicle (PSV), especially for long-distance travel, familiarize yourself with the emergency exits. Most buses have clearly marked exits, including windows and doors. In case of fire, quickly move towards the nearest exit. - Avoid Using the Main Door if It’s Unsafe
If the main door is jammed or blocked by fire, do not waste time trying to open it. Look for alternative exits, such as emergency windows or other doors. - Break Windows if Necessary
If emergency windows are difficult to open, use any available object to break them. Some buses are equipped with tools for this purpose, but if not, you can use your elbow or another hard object to break the glass. - Avoid Collecting Personal Belongings
In an emergency, your priority should be your safety, not your belongings. Quickly exit the vehicle without gathering personal items. - Cover Your Nose and Mouth
If you must 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. - Assist Others if Possible
If you are in a position to help others, such as children, the elderly, or those with disabilities, do so, but only if it does not endanger your own safety. - Move Away from the Vehicle
Once you have exited the vehicle, move to a safe distanceāat least 100 feet away if possible. Fires in vehicles can cause explosions, and the fumes are toxic. - Report the Incident
Once you are safe, promptly report the incident to the authorities.
In a related incident, a bus traveling from Nairobi to Marsabit caught fire in the Mwea area of Kirinyaga County on August 24. Fortunately, all 40 passengers were safely evacuated. The cause of that fire remains under investigation.
By Tuko