The truck was carrying toxic chemicals, Sodium Cyanide which is dangerous and harmful to human health and the environment.
The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has issued a notice to members of the public after containers with Sodium Cyanide went missing following a road accident on Saturday, July 20.
The accident occurred after the truck which was transporting the consignment of the chemicals had overturned at the Rironi area along the Nairobi- Nakuru highway in the Rironi sub-location, Limuru Division, Kiambu County.
A photo seen by Viral Tea and shared by NEMA on its social media handles showed the truck’s container lying on one side, with one of its doors opened and green-coloured drums containing the chemicals inside.
The truck was carrying toxic chemicals, Sodium Cyanide which is dangerous and harmful to human health and the environment.
A truck transporting Sodium Cyanide which overturned following a road accident on July 20, 2024. /CITIZEN DIGITAL
NEMA on Sunday, July 21 reported that several containers were reported missing, though the Authority did not reveal if the truck was possibly looted after the accident occurred.
“The public is cautioned that the contents of the containers are extremely harmful and should immediately report to the nearest police station or chief’s office if they spot the containers.
“The public is also cautioned against coming into contact with the contents of containers, which are white substances in pellet form,” stated NEMA in part.
Reports indicated that a tank of the extremely toxic chemical was found hidden at a residential home on Sunday while Ministry of Health officials were conducting a sensitization drive through the villages of Rironi and Kamandura.
The shipment of the highly contagious chemical was on its way to Congo from the Mombasa port when the incident occurred.
The Ministry of Health issued a statement on Saturday after receiving reports of the truck accident, warning that ingestion of even small amounts could be fatal.
“Sodium cyanide is extremely toxic. Ingestion or inhalation of even small amounts can be fatal. Exposure can cause immediate symptoms such as headache, dizziness, shortness of breath, nausea, and vomiting. Severe exposure can lead to loss of consciousness and convulsions within minutes. Prolonged or repeated exposure to lower levels can result in long-term health issues including neurological damage, thyroid dysfunction, and cardiovascular problems,” stated Health Principal Secretary (PS) Mary Muthoni Muriuki.
According to the MoH, the environmental risks posed by sodium cyanide are equally alarming. When released into waterways, it has the potential to kill a large number of fish and harm aquatic ecosystems over time.
“Although sodium cyanide degrades over time, its initial impact is devastating, necessitating swift and effective response measures,” the Ministry of Health explained.Â
Sodium cyanide is primarily used in industrial processes such as gold mining, where it dissolves and separates gold from ore using cyanidation.
It also serves as an important intermediate in the production of chemicals such as cyanuric chloride, which is used in herbicides, pesticides, and disinfectants.
Sodium cyanide is also used in electroplating to deposit metals such as gold, silver, and copper onto surfaces, organic synthesis for pharmaceuticals, metal cleaning and tarnish removal, and, historically, as a fumigant for pest control.
