A tragic road accident in Mombasa’s Jomvu area has claimed the lives of at least two people and left 11 others injured. The incident occurred on Friday, September 13, 2024, at a location known as Bangladesh on the busy Changamwe-Jomvu Highway. The accident involved a Public Service Vehicle (PSV) that rammed into the back of a boda boda (motorcycle taxi), causing instant fatalities. The rider and a pillion passenger were both killed on the spot, while other individuals sustained various degrees of injuries.
The accident happened during a busy time on the highway, which is a key route connecting the bustling town of Changamwe to Jomvu in Mombasa county. Sources from the scene indicated that the PSV, a matatu, was moving at a high speed when it struck the boda boda from behind. Eyewitnesses described a horrific scene as the two victims on the motorcycle were thrown off by the impact. Emergency services responded swiftly, transporting the injured to nearby hospitals for treatment. Unfortunately, the rider and the pillion passenger did not survive the accident, and their bodies were taken to the mortuary.
The 11 individuals who were injured included both passengers from the matatu and bystanders who were in the vicinity when the accident occurred. Many of the injured were rushed to the Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital, where they received urgent medical attention. Some were said to be in critical condition, raising concerns that the death toll could rise.
Local authorities quickly arrived at the scene to assess the situation and manage the aftermath. Traffic police cordoned off the area and redirected traffic as they worked to clear the wreckage and facilitate a smooth flow of vehicles. Preliminary investigations into the cause of the accident are ongoing, but early reports suggest that the matatu was traveling at an unsafe speed. It’s unclear whether mechanical failure or driver error played a role in the collision. Police officers have urged motorists to exercise caution, especially on highways where traffic can be unpredictable.
Road accidents in Mombasa and other parts of Kenya are unfortunately not uncommon, and they often result from speeding, reckless driving, or poor road conditions. The Changamwe-Jomvu Highway, a major artery for Mombasa, is known for its heavy traffic, especially during peak hours, making it a hotspot for accidents. The situation is often worsened by the presence of boda bodas, which are popular for their quick and convenient transport services but are also vulnerable to accidents due to their smaller size compared to larger vehicles like matatus.
In light of the tragedy, calls for stricter enforcement of traffic regulations have resurfaced. Road safety advocates and community members have expressed concern over the increasing number of accidents involving PSV vehicles and boda bodas, urging the authorities to implement better safety measures. There have been calls for PSV drivers to undergo regular training and for stricter penalties for those found breaking traffic rules, including speeding or overloading.
The victims’ families are in mourning as they come to terms with their sudden loss. Community leaders in Jomvu and surrounding areas have expressed their condolences, and support is being organized for those affected by the tragedy. The accident has left a profound impact on the community, with many questioning the safety of the roads they travel daily.
As the investigation continues, residents and authorities alike are hoping for swift justice and increased safety measures to prevent future tragedies. The Kenya National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has also been urged to enhance oversight on public transport vehicles and ensure they comply with road safety standards. The loss of life and the injuries suffered in this accident are a painful reminder of the dangers posed by careless driving and the need for vigilance on the roads.
