The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has issued a communication, following an early-morning fire at Vivo Energy Limited’s Shell Petrol Station in Kasarani, Nairobi on Saturday.
ERC said preliminary report indicated that the fire started after a vehicle fueled at the station and sped off while the pump nozzle was still inside the car’s fuel tank.
This led to the pump being disconnected from the anchorage and dragged to about 30 meters away, causing friction between the ground and the pump which produced sparks which ignited a fire that quickly spread.
"ERC wishes to advise all motorists to adhere to the advisory at fuel stations instructing motorists to switch off engines before fueling," read the commission's statement in part.
"ERC also advises all fuel stations to ensure that customers adhere to safety guidelines."