By Lake Zone Watch writer
A lorry carrying 160 containers of ethanol each with a capacity of 250 litres was yesterday destroyed by fire at Makutano, alias, Zero Zero village in Mara region, after being involved in a ghastly accident.
The National Environmental Management Council (NEMC) Director-General Dr Samuel Mafwenga said in a press statement that following the accident, ethanol, a simple aliphatic alcohol, spilled all over the area causing a firestorm which burnt the lorry beyond repair.
The volatile and inflammable chemical was property of DC & Sons Company Limited, Dr Mafwenga said.
Preliminary evaluation showed that the chemical did not cause any danger as it was also consumed by the raging fire at the scene of the accident.
However, a team of experts from NEMC and the Chief Government Chemist have collected samples of the chemical for further analysis, the NEMC statement said.
Ethanol, albeit in amounts, is used in the manufacture of alcohol concoction, cosmetics and human medicines.