Several Feared Dead After Log Truck Crushes Matatu on Bungoma-Eldoret Highway
The crash occurred shortly after 3 p.m. at Chimoi, involving a North Rift 14-seater matatu and a truck transporting logs.
The scene of a fatal road accident at Chimoi along the Bungoma-Eldoret Highway, where a truck carrying logs overturned onto a public service matatu on June 27, 2026. Photo: Courtesy.
By Robert Mutasi
Several people were feared dead and others injured after a truck carrying logs overturned onto a public service vehicle along the Bungoma-Eldoret Highway on Saturday afternoon, trapping passengers inside the wreckage.
The crash occurred shortly after 3 p.m. at Chimoi, involving a North Rift 14-seater matatu and a truck transporting logs.
Preliminary reports indicated that the truck lost stability, overturned and landed on top of the matatu, crushing the passenger vehicle and leaving occupants trapped.
Videos and photographs from the scene showed victims pinned inside the mangled matatu as they called for help while rescuers worked to free them.
Residents, motorists and first responders rushed to the scene and began rescue efforts. However, the operation was slowed by the absence of heavy lifting equipment needed to remove the overturned truck from the matatu.
By the time of publication, police and emergency officials had not confirmed the number of fatalities or injuries, with rescue operations still underway.
The accident caused a major traffic backlog along the busy Bungoma-Eldoret Highway as emergency personnel worked to clear the wreckage and assist victims.
The Long Distance Drivers and Conductors Association (LoDDCA) urged motorists to avoid the area or prepare for lengthy delays.
“The crash has caused a major traffic snarl-up. Motorists are advised to avoid the area if possible,” the association said in a statement.
The latest crash came hours after another serious road accident on the Londiani-Muhoroni Highway in Kisumu County.
That collision occurred at about 6 a.m. Saturday after a lorry transporting sand reportedly lost control and rammed into a transit truck carrying vegetables. A motorcycle traveling along the same highway was also caught up in the crash.
The impact extensively damaged the vehicles and blocked part of the highway, triggering heavy traffic congestion as emergency responders arrived at the scene.
Witnesses said several victims were trapped inside the wreckage, prompting a rescue operation involving police, emergency personnel and members of the public. The operation was complicated by the number of vehicles involved.
Both accidents add to growing concerns over road safety on Kenya’s major highways, where crashes involving heavy commercial vehicles continue to claim lives and disrupt transport.
Police said investigations into the cause of the Chimoi crash are expected to begin once rescue operations are completed and the scene is cleared.
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