Morning commuters on the Nairobi Expressway faced tense moments today when a luxury Range Rover suddenly burst into flames, causing brief but chaotic traffic disruptions near the Southern Bypass Entrance B.
The blaze erupted at approximately 9:04 am at kilometre 13 (K13), reportedly due to mechanical failure, sending thick smoke billowing across the elevated roadway and alarming motorists.
According to Moja Expressway Company, rapid-response patrol teams, working alongside the Kenya Police Service, swiftly evacuated all occupants from the vehicle and contained the fire within minutes. No injuries were reported, and emergency crews promptly cleared debris to restore normal flow.
“Motorists are advised to drive with caution at K13 near the Southern Bypass Entrance B as our team clears debris following a successfully contained vehicle fire. Your safety is our priority,” Moja Expressway stated in an update.
The company urged drivers experiencing any mechanical issues to immediately contact their rescue team on 0111039888 or the service hotline at 0111039777.
Authorities commended the efficient handling that prevented a potential catastrophe on one of Nairobi’s busiest toll roads. Motorists were reminded to maintain vigilance and report breakdowns promptly to avoid escalation.
This incident follows closely on the heels of a deadly fuel tanker inferno on the Southern Bypass just five days earlier, on January 24. A head-on collision involving a fuel-laden tanker and a flour-carrying lorry near the Swaminarayan Tunnel Bridge (behind Carnivore Restaurant) triggered a massive explosion, claiming one driver’s life, hospitalizing another, and destroying multiple vehicles. Police highlighted the dangers of spilled fuel and onlookers attempting to scoop it, drawing parallels to past fatal tanker accidents like the 2009 Sachangwan tragedy in Nakuru that claimed over 100 lives.
As Nairobi grapples with rising road safety concerns, today’s contained vehicle fire underscores the value of swift emergency protocols—while serving as a stark reminder for all road users to prioritize maintenance and caution on Kenya’s highways.
