Families bury 11 victims of Malanga tanker tragedy in Siaya County

Emotions ran high as 19 victims of the Malanga fuel tanker tragedy were laid to rest in their respective homes in Gem, Siaya county.

But families of 2 victims that are yet to receive the bodies of their loved ones for burial were distraught as DNA analysis on their bodies was said to be inconclusive.

It was a painful moment for a family that lost 3 victims to the fire incident.

The pain and grief at Malanga village in Gem sub-county, Siaya county was palpable as 19 victims who died in a fuel tanker tragedy were laid to rest.

Margaret Wambo who is in her late 70’s lost 2 of her children and her grandchild on the night of 19th July 2021 when a fuel tanker that they were siphoning fuel from burst into flames.

“Siku moja nimetupa watu watatu,kijana mjukuu na kijana….” Wanmbo told Citizen TV

On Friday, the family buried 2 of their loved ones, one is yet to be identified as the DNA analysis on the body was said to have been inconclusive

Eighteen other families that lost their loved ones in the tragedy, also paying their last respects, a painful journey that many here are still struggling to come to terms with.

“Nazika watu wa boma 7 ,nashindwa utalia nani utakosa nani…miili imechomeka haiezi tambulika,wakati wa DNA walisema tulete nguo wakasema tulete brush ndio ikadhibitisha ni yeye..ukamuona huezi mjua,” one of the kin who lost family said.

Two other families that had gone to pick the bodies of their loved ones for burial were turned away at the morgue as DNA analysis failed to fully identify their kin.

Meanwhile, five patients from the lot who sustained injuries during the tanker fire have already made full recovery and have been discharged.

Some 20 others are currently undergoing treatment in Siaya.

Thirteen people were burnt beyond recognition on July 19 when a tanker they were siphoning fuel from burst into flames.