Six people were injured in a tragic accident early this morning on the Sagana-Karatina road, located in Kibingoti, Ndia Constituency, Kirinyaga County. The crash occurred around 5 a.m. when a lorry collided with a 14-seater matatu that had been parked on the roadside after running out of fuel. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of roadside emergencies on busy highways, particularly during the festive season when traffic volume increases.
According to eyewitness accounts, the matatu was on its way from Nairobi to Karatina when it unexpectedly ran out of fuel. The driver, realizing the situation, parked the vehicle by the side of the road and left to retrieve fuel from a nearby station. Several passengers had also exited the matatu while waiting for the driver to return with the fuel. Luckily, none of the passengers were inside the matatu at the time of the collision, and they narrowly escaped harm.
The lorry, whose driver reportedly failed to notice the stationary vehicle in time, rammed into the rear of the matatu. The force of the impact left six individuals injured, all of whom were rushed to two private hospitals in Kibingoti for medical treatment. Authorities acted swiftly, with the Sagana Police Station’s traffic officers arriving promptly at the scene to assess the situation. The victims, who sustained varying degrees of injuries, are said to be in stable condition, and further medical evaluations are expected in the coming days.
Karanja, an eyewitness to the incident, said, “We immediately rushed the injured to the hospital after the crash and informed the authorities to ensure that appropriate action was taken.” Police officials were on the ground within minutes to secure the scene, ensuring that there was no further danger to passing motorists.
Kirinyaga West Sub-County Police Commander Moses Koskei confirmed the details of the incident and issued a statement urging all motorists to be extra cautious, particularly as the holiday season approaches. “This incident is a reminder that we all must remain vigilant on the road, especially during busy periods when traffic is heavy,” Koskei said. He also emphasized the need for drivers to be more responsible when operating vehicles, particularly when it comes to adhering to traffic rules and maintaining road safety.
The crash has drawn attention to the importance of safety measures for both drivers and passengers, particularly in emergency situations. While the cause of the collision is still under investigation, initial reports suggest that the lorry driver may have been traveling at high speed, which reduced his reaction time when the matatu appeared on the roadside. Investigators are reviewing traffic footage and witness accounts to determine the exact cause of the crash. Meanwhile, both the truck and the matatu have been towed to the Sagana Police Station for further examination.
Authorities have also taken this opportunity to remind drivers to ensure their vehicles are fully fueled before embarking on long journeys. Running out of fuel is a common but avoidable hazard, and parking along busy roads in emergency situations can be dangerous. Motorists are urged to keep their vehicles well-maintained and to plan for stops well in advance of running low on fuel.
This accident serves as a tragic reminder of the many potential dangers lurking on busy highways, especially during times of high traffic and festive travel. While accidents are sometimes unavoidable, much can be done to reduce the likelihood of such incidents by adhering to road safety rules and making thoughtful decisions in times of distress. As investigations into this crash continue, authorities are hopeful that the findings will help prevent future accidents and encourage better safety practices on Kenya’s roads.
In the meantime, the Kirinyaga County community is left to reflect on the importance of road safety and the responsibilities that come with driving on busy roads, particularly in the early morning hours when visibility can be compromised.
