In what began as an ordinary Friday afternoon commute, tragedy struck in the Kaburengu area along the Eldoret-Webuye highway, where two lives were lost, and several others were left injured following a horrific accident. The devastating crash, which occurred on September 13, 2024, involved a trailer and three stationary matatus, forever altering the lives of those involved.
The accident occurred when the trailer, which was reportedly carrying oil, lost control as it approached the parked vehicles. According to eyewitnesses, the driver of the trailer struggled to regain control after the brakes failed, but it was too late. The massive vehicle barreled down the highway, crashing into three matatus that had been parked by the roadside in the Kaburengu area, turning the scene into one of chaos and destruction.
Brake Failure Turns Deadly
The cause of the crash, as reported by local authorities, was a brake failure on the part of the trailer. While mechanical issues can occur at any time, the results of this malfunction were catastrophic. Without the ability to stop, the trailer’s driver was left helpless as the vehicle sped uncontrollably towards the parked matatus, which had passengers inside at the time.
Witnesses who were present at the scene recounted the moments leading up to the crash. The matatus were reportedly stationary on the side of the road, their drivers and passengers completely unaware of the danger looming behind them. In seconds, the trailer plowed through the vehicles, causing a massive impact that left two people dead on the spot and several others with serious injuries.
First responders were quick to arrive at the scene, as a sense of urgency gripped the area. Ambulances rushed the injured to nearby hospitals, where they received emergency treatment. The authorities cordoned off the area to begin investigations and ensure there were no further accidents caused by the wreckage blocking part of the highway.
Eyewitness Accounts: A Scene of Horror
Eyewitnesses described the crash as a horrifying scene that unfolded in a matter of seconds. “It was a normal day,” said one bystander who had been in the vicinity when the accident occurred. “Everything was peaceful until I heard a loud screech and saw the trailer heading straight for the matatus. There was nothing anyone could do. It all happened so fast.”
Another witness recalled seeing the aftermath of the collision, with vehicles crumpled together and people scrambling to assist those trapped inside the wreckage. “We ran to help, but it was difficult. The trailer had done so much damage. There were people injured, and some were stuck inside the matatus.”
Authorities Launch Investigations
In the wake of the crash, local police and traffic authorities launched a full investigation to determine the exact cause of the accident. While brake failure was identified as the likely reason, questions surrounding vehicle maintenance and road safety were raised. The condition of the trailer before the accident, including whether it had undergone routine safety checks, is one of the key aspects of the investigation.
Road safety has been a growing concern along the Eldoret-Webuye highway, a major thoroughfare for commercial vehicles traveling to and from the region. The highway has seen its fair share of accidents in recent years, often attributed to speeding, reckless driving, and mechanical failures in commercial trucks.
Calls for Improved Road Safety
Following the Kaburengu tragedy, residents and road users called for increased measures to ensure the safety of both commercial and public transport vehicles using the highway. Brake failures and other mechanical issues have been common causes of fatal crashes, prompting many to urge authorities to enforce stricter inspections of vehicles, particularly heavy-duty trailers and trucks.
Public outrage also mounted over the frequency of accidents in the Kaburengu area, which has been dubbed a “black spot” due to its history of collisions. Road safety advocates highlighted the need for improved infrastructure, including better signage, more regular vehicle checks, and possibly the introduction of safety barriers to protect stationary vehicles on the side of the road.
A Community Mourns
As investigations continue, the community is left mourning the two lives lost in the accident. The identities of the victims have not yet been released, but their deaths have sent shockwaves through the region. Families of the victims are left grappling with the sudden loss, while those injured face a long road to recovery.
Friday’s crash serves as a grim reminder of the dangers that road users face, especially on highways frequented by large commercial vehicles. The tragic accident at Kaburengu has sparked renewed calls for stricter enforcement of traffic laws and a collective effort to improve road safety across the country.
In the aftermath of the crash, those who witnessed the tragedy hope that this incident will lead to meaningful changes, ensuring that such a heartbreaking loss of life is not repeated.
