The 4pm tragedy occurred when one tank of a two tanker trailer ferrying petrol oil to Rwanda fell off after being hit by another trailer from behind. The tanker rolled and exploded after people rushed to the scene to siphon oil forcing them to retreat.

The late Chief was having refreshments with his wife at a nearby bar, St. Michael's when the fire started. The chief succumbed to shock and went into a coma before being rushed to Ambira Sub-District hospital where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.

‘I had come to Ugunja to hire a vehicle to take a patient to Ambira sub-district hospital when I heard a loud bang; I took off and ran 3km a way from the scene. I knew Ugunja was burning; I ran to save my life without minding that I had a patient to take to hospital,’ said Mrs. Mary Omondi, an eye witness.

Speaking to the public, Ugenya District Commissioner, Mrs. Caroline Onchoka said that plans are in place to establish an information centre in conjunction with the Red Cross where parents whose children disappeared in the tragedy while running for safety can report.

The misfortune struck late in the evening catching many people unaware as it was raining heavily. After the explosion, few metres away from the Kenya Commercial Bank branch, the fire spread very first burning down nearby buildings and kiosks resulting to losses worth thousands of shillings.

The fire was put out two hours late by fire fighters from the Kisumu Town municipality. The number of children who disappeared in the event of the calamity is yet to be ascertained.

Apart from two three women who got minor injuries, no other casualties have been reported.