Several commuters are believed to have perished in a terrible road accident involving a 14-seater matatu and a trailer along the busy Nairobi–Mombasa Highway.
The shocking crash happened in the Kinyambu area after the passenger vehicle allegedly smashed into the back of a trailer travelling in the same direction.The collision left numerous occupants badly hurt and turned the matatu’s front end into a heap of twisted metal.
The impact was massive, leaving the matatu’s front portion totally crushed. Several travellers were reportedly trapped inside the debris, triggering an emergency rescue effort.
Police officers, first responders and bystanders hurried to the location to help extricate those stuck in the vehicle. The wounded passengers were afterwards ferried to hospitals in the vicinity for immediate medical care.
Images taken at the site showed the scale of the damage, with the matatu’s front end badly crushed. The wreckage offered a grim picture of the force behind the crash.
Early reports indicated that several passengers died on the spot, while others sustained severe injuries. Nonetheless, the precise casualty figures had not been officially confirmed at the time of publication.
Survivors were rapidly taken to nearby health facilities as rescuers kept helping those affected by the accident.In the meantime, police have opened an inquiry to establish what caused the crash. Investigators are expected to determine whether overspeeding, careless driving, tailgating or a mechanical fault played a role in the collision.
The latest tragedy has reignited worries about the safety of drivers and commuters on the busy Mombasa–Nairobi Highway.
The road is a key transport artery connecting Nairobi to the Coast and carries heavy traffic, including matatus, buses, private cars and commercial lorries.
Over the years, it has recorded many serious crashes, with risky overtaking, speeding and disregard for traffic rules often blamed.
Road users have been urged to be careful, stick to speed limits, keep a safe following distance and make sure their vehicles are roadworthy before setting off on trips.
More details about the victims and the events surrounding the crash are expected once police wrap up their investigations.