Tragedy struck the Nakuru-Eldoret Highway today as a devastating collision between a matatu and a lorry near Sobea resulted in multiple fatalities and numerous injuries.
Eyewitnesses described a scene of chaos and horror as emergency responders rushed to the scene to attend to the victims.
According to preliminary reports from the authorities, the accident occurred in the early hours of the morning when visibility was low due to thick fog in the area.
The matatu, packed with passengers, was traveling at high speed when it collided head-on with the oncoming lorry, causing both vehicles to veer off the road and overturn.
Local residents were the first to arrive at the scene, hearing the sound of the impact from nearby homes.
Many rushed to assist in the rescue efforts, pulling survivors from the wreckage and administering first aid while waiting for the arrival of emergency services.
“It was like something out of a nightmare,” said one witness, who declined to be named. “There were people screaming for help, and we could see others who were trapped inside the vehicles. We did what we could to help them until the ambulances arrived.”
As news of the accident spread, concerned family members began to gather at the scene, anxiously awaiting word on the fate of their loved ones.
Authorities worked swiftly to extricate the injured and transport them to nearby hospitals for treatment, while the grim task of recovering the deceased commenced.
The exact number of casualties has yet to be confirmed, but initial reports suggest that several people have tragically lost their lives, while many others have sustained varying degrees of injuries.
The identities of the victims have not been released pending notification of their families.
Speaking to reporters at the scene, Inspector Michael Kimani of the Nakuru Traffic Police urged motorists to exercise caution when driving in adverse weather conditions.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families during this difficult time,” Inspector Kimani said.
“We urge all motorists to be vigilant, especially when visibility is poor due to fog or other factors. Let us prioritize safety on our roads to prevent such senseless tragedies from occurring in the future.”
The road has been temporarily closed to facilitate the ongoing rescue and recovery operation, with traffic diverted to alternative routes.
The authorities have also launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident to determine the cause and prevent similar incidents in the future.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of this devastating accident, there is a renewed sense of urgency to address the underlying issues contributing to road safety.
From improving infrastructure to enforcing stricter traffic regulations, there is a collective call for action to prevent further loss of life on our roads.
For now, the focus remains on providing support and assistance to the victims and their families as they come to terms with the profound impact of this tragedy.
As the sun sets on Sobea, a community mourns the lives lost and prays for the swift recovery of those injured in today’s horrific accident.