A devastating accident on the Eldoret-Kitale Highway has claimed the lives of ten people on the spot, with another succumbing to injuries en route to the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) in Eldoret. The accident, which occurred on December 3 at around 9 a.m., involved a head-on collision between a Great Rift Shuttle matatu and an Isuzu lorry.
According to eyewitnesses, the Isuzu lorry, headed to Kitale, suddenly veered off its lane and collided with the matatu, which had picked up passengers from Matunda Shopping Centre along the busy highway. The matatu was reportedly en route to Eldoret and was filled with passengers at the time of the collision.
Eyewitnesses at the scene described the crash as catastrophic, with the impact leaving the matatu mangled and its passengers trapped inside. Emergency responders worked tirelessly to retrieve the victims, but for most of them, it was too late.
Residents and motorists using the Eldoret-Kitale Highway expressed concern over the state of the road, blaming its narrow width and lack of safety features such as speed bumps for contributing to the tragedy.
“This road is too narrow, and there are no proper speed management measures like bumps. It’s only a matter of time before another tragedy happens if these issues are not addressed,” lamented a local resident.
The accident has reignited calls for improved road infrastructure and stricter enforcement of traffic regulations to prevent such avoidable tragedies. Local leaders and transport stakeholders have urged the government to prioritize the expansion and maintenance of the Eldoret-Kitale Highway, given its heavy traffic flow.
Police officers at the scene confirmed the incident and launched an investigation into the cause of the accident. Preliminary findings suggest that the lorry driver may have lost control, leading to the fatal collision.
The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has reiterated the importance of adhering to road safety rules, especially during the festive season when traffic increases.
The tragic loss of lives has left the community in mourning, with families of the deceased grappling with the pain of losing their loved ones. The injured are receiving treatment at MTRH, where medical staff are working to save lives and offer support to the victims’ families.
This incident serves as a somber reminder of the urgent need for enhanced road safety measures to protect lives and prevent such heartbreaking occurrences.
By Newsmedia