An unknown number of people are believed to have died and scores were left injured on Saturday morning after a bus collided with a lorry along the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway.
The accident occurred after the bus driver, who was heading to Mombasa from Kisumu through Nairobi, lost control and rammed into an oncoming lorry at the Kinyambu area in Makueni County.
Witnesses revealed that the bus driver was attempting to overtake another vehicle when it collided head-on with the lorry, resulting in a fatal crash.
While there is still no update on the exact number of casualties, preliminary reports indicate that a few people could have succumbed as a result of the injuries sustained in the crash.
Following the incident, a rescue operation was immediately launched by police officers with the help of residents who aided in removing passengers trapped in the wreckage.
Videos and images of the accident widely circulated on the internet showed the bus extensively damaged, specifically on the front side, with a broken windscreen and pieces of glass scattered on the road.
The accident caused a huge traffic snarl-up along the ever-busy highway despite police efforts to clear the road, with motorists forced to temporarily halt their travel.
The accident comes even as the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) plans to lead nationwide commemorations for those who have lost their lives in road crashes this year.
The event is scheduled to take place in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County, under the theme 'Lost Talents'. It is an annual global event held every third Sunday of November to honour those who have lost their lives or suffered injuries in road crashes.
Addressing the press on Friday, November 14, NTSA Head of Communication, Antony Nyongesa, said this year’s theme will focus on the loss of skilled and talented individuals whose deaths have left lasting gaps in families and communities.
NTSA data indicate that from January to October this year, the country recorded 3,890 road fatalities, compared to 3,805 during the same period last year.
According to the Authority, the deaths include 1,460 pedestrians, 351 drivers, 378 pillion passengers, 57 pedal cyclists, and 1,000 motorcyclists.
