Kirinyaga: 19-year-old petrol attendant dies after catching fire while serving customer

Joan Wangeci, who worked at Gold Village petrol station, died at Kimbimbi Sub-County Hospital, where she had been rushed for treatment after the incident.

According to residents led by David Mwangi, Wangeci had reportedly lit a candle to continue serving customers after electricity went off at the station.

The incident occurred when a motorcycle operator arrived to buy fuel. Wangeci was pouring petrol from a jug into the motorcycle when the fire broke out.

Good Samaritans rushed her to Kimbimbi Sub-County Hospital, where medical personnel attempted to stabilise her as arrangements were made to transfer her to Kenyatta National Hospital for specialised treatment.

However, she succumbed to her injuries before the transfer could be completed.

Mwangi said the family and residents were informed by medical personnel that Wangeci had suffered burns covering approximately 81 per cent of her body.

The incident left residents of South Ngariama and the wider Kimbimbi area in shock, with many gathering at the hospital after learning of her death.

Susan Wangari, a resident who broke down upon seeing Wangeci’s body, described her as a hardworking young woman who was committed to her job and serving customers.

She said Wangeci had apparently wanted to continue helping customers despite the power outage, unaware of the danger posed by using an open flame near petrol.

Residents also recounted the emotional moments before her death, with Mwangi saying Wangeci handed over the money she had collected from fuel sales to the station owner and apologised to him. The owner was reportedly overwhelmed with grief at the hospital.

Peter Njeru, another resident, expressed regret over the incident, saying Wangeci could have avoided the danger by closing the station temporarily and waiting for electricity to be restored.

Residents described the incident as an unprecedented tragedy in their area, expressing sorrow over the death of the young attendant.