Several passengers were feared dead on Thursday, June 15 after a lorry lost control and rammed into a boda boda and a matatu full of passengers along the Kisumu- Busia Road.
Eyewitnesses at the scene stated that the speeding canter lost control in the vicinity of the Kisian area along the busy highway before veering off and crashing into the other motorists.
The matatu, carrying passengers, flipped over upon impact from the collision. Both the front and rear sections suffered severe damage, with some seats being extensively ruined as a result of the crash.
The bodaboda rider was struck and forcefully pushed off the road due to the impact. Additionally, a pickup truck present at the scene incurred damage as a result of the collision.
According to witnesses' accounts, the lorry driver was reportedly speeding and experienced difficulties trying to apply the brakes in a timely manner before the collision occurred.
The emergency evacuation team promptly arrived at the scene and swiftly transported the injured individuals to the nearest hospital for urgent medical attention.
Elsewhere on Wednesday, June 14, two people were trapped after a truck they were travelling in hit rails along Thika Road plunging into the Ruiru River.
As per the police officers present at the scene, the force of the impact resulted in the detachment of the trailer head from the body, causing it to veer off the road and plunge into the nearby river.
The truck driver was rescued and immediately rushed to Ruiru Hospital where he received medical care for his severe injuries.
According to a May 24, report by the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), 1,700 people had died in road accidents since January 2023 with the highest number of fatalities recorded being pedestrians at 571 and motorcycle operators at 449.
The authority noted that it had taken extra measures to enhance road safety, including the installation of additional signage along major roads and ongoing efforts to address road conditions by filling potholes.
"From January to date this year, we have lost a total of 1,679 people in road accidents, compared to 1,756 in the same period last year, with pedestrians and motorcyclists being the leading causes,” NTSA deputy director in charge of road safety Dr. Duncan Kibogong stated.
