Atleast 15 people were confirmed dead on Tuesday morning following a tragic road accident along the Nakuru-Eldoret highway.
The devastating collision between a bus and a 14-seater matatu claimed the lives of eight adults and seven children, five of whom were girls. The accident occurred at approximately 2:45 am at the Twin Bridge area and involved a Classic Kings of Congo bus and a North Ways Shuttle Toyota matatu.
This latest incident has contributed to a grim two-day period, resulting in a surge in the death toll to over 20 in separate accidents, as reported by the police.
The aftermath of the collision has left families shattered and communities in mourning.
The tragic collision unfolded when the bus and matatu collided at high speed, leading to a catastrophic loss of lives. According to police reports, all occupants of the matatu tragically lost their lives on impact. Additionally, three passengers on the bus sustained severe injuries, while ten others suffered minor injuries.
Swift response from the Mau Summit police facilitated the immediate transfer of the injured to Molo Hospital, where medical teams worked tirelessly to provide necessary care and support. The devastated families are now left grappling with the sudden and unexpected loss of their loved ones.
Rift Valley police chief, Tom Odero, confirmed that a comprehensive investigation into the incident is underway. Odero expressed the gravity of the situation, stating, “It was yet another tragic morning where we have lost 15 people. Others are injured and are in hospitals.” He pleaded with motorists to exercise extreme caution on the roads, emphasizing the collective responsibility to prevent such devastating road crashes.
The Tuesday morning incident follows a distressing trend of accidents in the past two days. On Monday, four lives were cut short in two separate accidents – one involving a matatu and a stalled lorry along the Isinya-Kitengela Road, and another on the Narok-Bomet highway in a head-on collision between a Transcar Galaxy Sacco Toyota Hiace matatu and a Mitsubishi Fuso lorry.
Over the weekend, three more lives were lost in separate incidents in Kericho and Nyamira.
In Nyamira County, along the Chebilat-Ikonge road in Kipkati area, a bodaboda rider with three passengers was fatally struck by a lorry. Tragically, the rider lost his life on the spot, while the passengers were admitted to the hospital for medical attention.
In Kericho, one person lost their life in an accident along Litein-Kericho road at Chebawon area, with three others sustaining injuries.
The disturbing statistics provided by the police highlight the urgent need for heightened road safety measures and increased public awareness. The authorities continue to stress the importance of responsible driving and adherence to traffic regulations to curb the alarming rise in road accidents. As the nation grapples with the aftermath of these tragedies, it is hoped that renewed efforts in road safety education and enforcement will help prevent further loss of lives on our roads.
