Several Die After Tragic Accident in Eldoret

Tragedy struck on Monday at the Hill Tea area along the Eldoret-Nakuru highway as a 14-seater matatu collided head-on with a 60-seater bus, resulting in the immediate death of four individuals.

The fatal incident unfolded around 5:00 am, claiming the lives of the matatu driver and three passengers.

A police report outlined that the matatu, carrying 16 people, was en route to Nakuru when the collision occurred. The severity of the impact led to the instantaneous loss of lives, while nine other passengers sustained serious injuries.

Swiftly, emergency services transported the injured to Eldama Ravine Sub-County Referral Hospital for urgent medical attention. Simultaneously, the bodies of the deceased were respectfully relocated to the same medical facility.

In response to the tragic occurrence, the National Police Service issued a statement urging all motorists and road users to exercise utmost caution, particularly in light of the current rainy season.

The plea emphasizes the critical importance of heightened vigilance to mitigate accidents and ensure the safety of everyone on the roads.

This unfortunate incident unfolded less than 24 hours after another road tragedy along the Kikima-Machakos Road in Mbooni, Makueni County. In that incident, 12 lives were lost, and eight individuals sustained injuries.

The consecutive occurrences underscore the pressing need for increased road safety awareness and adherence to precautions, as authorities grapple with addressing the root causes contributing to these distressing events.

An eyewitness who spoke to the press on Saturday attributed the accident to a brake failure while the driver was attempting to negotiate a corner.

Mbooni West Deputy County Commissioner Stanlas Apwoka confirmed the tragedy adding that the 14-seater matatu was carrying excess passengers.

Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo later condoled with the families of the deceased, vowing to offer full aid to those injured in the accident.

“To those who have lost their loved ones and their family members, on behalf of my family and me as well, I express my sympathy and for those who are nursing injuries will ensure that they receive treatment fully,” noted Mutula Kilonzo Jr.

“I want to take this opportunity to caution drivers, especially during this rainy season and festivities, against carrying excess passengers.”

National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), the police, and Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo, in separate advisories, urged road users to exercise caution while driving during the December festivities.