Traffic snarls on Nairobi expressway after range rover catches fire near Mlolongo

Morning traffic along the Nairobi Expressway was thrown into chaos on January 29 after a Range Rover burst into flames while heading toward Mlolongo, forcing authorities to temporarily shut down part of the busy highway.

Dramatic images and videos circulating online showed the luxury SUV engulfed in thick black smoke and flames from the front section, with the driver already out of the vehicle.

The incident occurred near the General Motors (GM) area, close to the Southern Bypass Entrance B, during peak morning hours.

An eyewitness who spoke said the vehicle suddenly began emitting smoke while in motion before erupting into flames, alarming nearby motorists and bringing traffic to a near standstill.

Fire engines and emergency response teams were swiftly dispatched to the scene as traffic police temporarily halted movement on one side of the expressway to allow firefighters to contain the inferno.

Traffic snarls on Nairobi expressway after range rover catches fire near Mlolongo

The heavy plume of smoke was visible from a distance, slowing traffic in the affected lanes and compounding delays for commuters.

MOJA Expressway later confirmed the incident, attributing it to suspected mechanical failure and urging motorists to remain cautious.

“Traffic was temporarily disrupted along the Nairobi Expressway near Southern Bypass Entrance B after a vehicle encountered mechanical issues, later resulting in combustion,” MOJA said in a statement.

The operator added that all occupants of the vehicle were safely evacuated and that no injuries were reported.

MOJA patrol teams, working closely with the Kenya Police Service, managed to extinguish the fire and secure the area to protect other road users.

While the exact cause of the fire is yet to be established, preliminary reports indicate no other vehicles or individuals were involved at the time of the incident.

Authorities have not yet released an official report on the circumstances surrounding the fire.

Fire crews and traffic officers continued managing the scene as motorists were advised to exercise caution and consider alternative routes until normal traffic flow was fully restored.