At least eight people have been reported dead, while several others are nursing injuries following a grisly road accident involving a 14-seater matatu and a trailer in Lugari.
The accident occurred on Tuesday night after the speeding matatu lost control, veered off its lane and rammed into a stationary trailer that was transporting fertiliser along the Eldoret–Webuye highway.
According to Western regional police boss Issa Mohamud, seven people died on the spot, while another one died while being rushed to the hospital.
Reports indicate that the trailer had been parked beside the highway after developing mechanical problems. Following the accident, the driver of the trailer is said to have fled.
Five people sustained serious injuries and were rushed to the hospital. Moments after the accident, residents who had gathered around the scene began scrambling for the fertiliser.
Videos and images widely shared on social media platforms showed the matatu extensively damaged with broken seats, windscreen and deflated tyres.
The latest tragedy has sparked fresh concerns over the surging cases of road accidents witnessed across the country since the start of December.
Statistics reveal that over 30 people have died while tens of others have been left with injuries due to road accidents since the start of this month, even as the festive rush continues.
According to the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), at least 4,458 people have been killed in road accidents between January and December this year.
This is an increase of 147 people compared to the same period last year, with pedenstrains contributing to the largest chunk of the reported deaths.\
The latest development comes amid an intensified crackdown by the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), the National Police Service (NPS) and the Judiciary on major roads to curb road carnage.
At the same time, drivers have been advised to obey the traffic laws and ensure they have all the requisite documents, while pedestrians have been urged to remain vigilant.
