Road fatalities continue to soar as nine perish in a crash in the early morning at Naivasha
The victims were rushed to various health facilities for treatment, and some are still undergoing medical attention.
A road accident involving a bus and matatu along the Nairobi- Nakuru Highway. Photo/Courtesy.
By Ruth Sang
Nine were confirmed dead after a grisly road accident just past midnight along the busy Nairobi-Nakuru highway at the Karai area of Naivasha. The accident involved a long-distance bus and a 14-seater matatu, highlighting again the unending dangers along the major transport corridor.
According to police reports, the accident happened at around 2 a.m. on Monday, January 5. Preliminary information suggests that the bus had been travelling from Nakuru towards Nairobi, while the matatu was driving in the opposite direction when the two collided. Essence was given to this collision, and the debris was scattered across the highway, blocking the road and prompting emergency police and rescue responses.
Seven persons died at the scene, including two children. Two other travellers were critically injured and taken to hospital, where they succumbed while being treated. Several other passengers also sustained injuries and were rushed to Naivasha District Hospital for treatment, with some still under observation in hospital.
The police have begun investigations to ascertain the actual cause of the crash, which, in line with preliminary assessments, was likely due to speeding, driver fatigue, or mechanical failure. All causes remain truly in contention until investigations are complete.
The Karai stretch of the highway has always been under the spotlight as an accident-prone spot. Road safety campaigns have previously been conducted by traffic authorities and law enforcement agencies, warning motorists to be careful while in the area, especially at night when visibility is low and traffic is often fast.
Police have used the Karai crash to draw attention to a disturbing trend of road accidents recorded with fatalities during the weekend. From Sunday to Monday morning, 18 people were killed in various road accidents in different parts of the country. Passengers, drivers, pedestrians, a motorcycle rider, and a pedal cyclist were among those who lost their lives.
At least 59 other people sustained injuries during the same period, including passengers, riders, drivers, a woman, and a pedestrian. The victims were rushed to various health facilities for treatment, and some are still undergoing medical attention.
Coming Days After Another Fatal Accident Occurring on the Same Highway, the Naivasha Accident Witnessed Just Two Days Earlier Six Killed in the Kikopey area of Gilgil Where a Trailer Collided with a Matatu. That Incident Also Intensified Call for Stricter Traffic Regulation Enforcement.
In a distinct accident, also on Friday, January 2, along Mombasa Road at Katumani close to Konza City, six passengers lost their lives when a bus collided with a matatu. Seven other passengers were critically injured in that accident and rushed to the hospital.
The authorities urge that operating speeds be maintained, rules be obeyed, and reckless driving avoided. Although road accidents are a hallmark of the safety crisis to date, the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) inform us that awareness creation is an ongoing endeavor.
Police investigations into the recent road crashes are ongoing while families grieve their loved ones and demands mount for better road safety mechanisms.
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