At least 14 people were killed early Friday morning in a horrific road accident on the Nakuru-Eldoret Highway, when a trailer collided with a Kitale Shuttle matatu in the Migaa area, known for its history of fatal crashes. The accident, which occurred around 3 am, left no survivors.
According to police spokesman Michael Muchiri, all 12 passengers aboard the matatu perished, along with the two occupants of the trailer, which had lost control before ramming into the matatu. The impact of the collision dragged the matatu for some distance, fatally trapping the passengers. Among the victims were nine males, four females, and one child.
The trailer driver and his crew also succumbed to their injuries after being trapped in the wreckage. Emergency services responded promptly to the scene but were unable to assist the victims due to the severity of the crash.
Muchiri emphasized the need for caution on the Nakuru-Eldoret Highway, particularly in the Migaa area, which is notorious for fatal accidents. "That area is a known black spot, and we urge motorists to be cautious when approaching there," he said. Authorities have indicated that they will launch a campaign aimed at raising awareness and addressing the rising number of accidents in the region.
Statistics from the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) highlight an alarming increase in traffic fatalities. In 2024, a total of 4,282 people lost their lives in road accidents between January and November, compared to 3,901 fatalities in the same period in 2023. The number of reported accidents also rose to 21,620 in 2024, up from 20,191 the previous year.
The leading causes of fatal crashes in the country, according to NTSA, include hit-and-run incidents, tyre bursts, and vehicles losing control. Improper overtaking and failure to maintain proper lane discipline, resulting in head-on collisions, have also been identified as significant contributors to the rise in accidents.
In response to the alarming statistics, police have joined forces with government agencies in a nationwide campaign to address road safety issues and reduce the number of fatalities on the country’s roads.
The bodies of the victims have been taken to the mortuary for autopsies, and investigations into the accident are ongoing.
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