Five Dead, Eight Hurt After Matatu Rams Stalled Truck on Nakuru-Eldoret Highway
Saturday’s crash is the latest in a series of early-morning accidents involving public service vehicles.
Photo: Courtesy.
By Robert Mutasi
Five people were killed and eight others injured early Saturday after a matatu crashed into a stalled truck along the busy Nakuru-Eldoret Highway.
The crash happened at about 4:50 a.m. on the climbing lane. Police said a 14-seater matatu belonging to Kapsowar Sacco, which was travelling from Nakuru to Eldoret, rammed into the back of a truck that had stalled on the road.
Kuresoi North Sub-County Police Commander John Kimutai confirmed the incident, saying five passengers died on the spot.
“The matatu belonging to Kapsowar Sacco was heading from Nakuru towards Eldoret at around 4:50 a.m. when it collided with the rear of a truck that had stalled on the climbing lane,” Kimutai said.
The five, whose identities were yet to be established by Saturday morning, died from the impact. Their bodies were taken to Londiani Sub-County Hospital mortuary for identification and postmortem.
Eight other passengers were injured and rushed to the same hospital for treatment. Two of them are in critical condition.
“Eight people were rushed to Londiani Sub-County Hospital for treatment. Two are in serious condition,” Kimutai said.
Police had the wreckage of the matatu towed to Mau Summit Police Station as investigations begin into the circumstances of the accident, including whether the stalled lorry had been properly marked with warning signs.
The Nakuru-Eldoret Highway is among the country’s most dangerous stretches, with frequent accidents linked to speeding, fatigued night driving, stalled vehicles left on the carriageway, and low visibility at dawn.
Saturday’s crash is the latest in a series of early-morning accidents involving public service vehicles.
Kimutai appealed to motorists to be extra cautious, especially at night and early morning, and urged drivers whose vehicles develop mechanical problems to remove them from the road quickly and place warning triangles to alert other road users.
“We urge motorists to exercise caution while on the roads. Drivers whose vehicles stall should ensure they are removed promptly,” he said.
He also urged Sacco managers and vehicle owners to enforce speed limits, ensure drivers get adequate rest, and carry out proper mechanical checks before long trips.
By mid-morning Saturday, police said they were still trying to trace the families of the deceased, while the eight injured passengers remained admitted at Londiani Sub-County Hospital.
Investigations are ongoing.
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