Tragedy Strikes in Mai Mahiu: Multiple Feared Dead After LPG Tanker Collides with Galaxy Matatu

A devastating accident in Mai Mahiu on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, has left several people feared dead after a Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) tanker lost control and crashed into a 14-seater passenger vehicle belonging to Galaxy Express. The incident, which occurred on the busy Mai Mahiu road, sent shockwaves through the community as emergency responders scrambled to manage the tragic scene.

According to reports, the tanker was descending a steep section of the road when the driver appeared to lose control of the heavy vehicle. Eyewitnesses described the moment of terror as the tanker careened off the road and collided with the matatu, a popular public service vehicle used for transporting passengers along the route. The force of the collision sent both vehicles off the road, with the tanker reportedly rolling down a nearby valley after impact.

The Galaxy Express matatu, which was carrying passengers at the time of the crash, was severely damaged in the accident. While the exact number of casualties is yet to be confirmed, multiple sources indicated that the collision resulted in several fatalities. Local authorities have expressed fears that many of those on board the matatu may not have survived the impact, while others are believed to have sustained critical injuries.

The wreckage of the matatu was strewn across the accident site, with rescue teams working tirelessly to free passengers trapped inside. Bystanders and first responders from nearby areas rushed to the scene in an attempt to provide assistance, but the scale of the accident presented significant challenges for those involved in the rescue efforts. Emergency services, including ambulances and fire crews, arrived shortly after the crash to transport the injured to nearby hospitals for treatment.

The LPG tanker involved in the accident added another layer of danger to the already catastrophic situation. With the potential for gas leakage and fire, authorities worked swiftly to secure the area and prevent further damage. Officials from the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) and local police were dispatched to the site to oversee the rescue operation and manage traffic along the busy road, which is a major thoroughfare for both commercial and passenger vehicles.

This section of the Mai Mahiu road, which connects several key towns and serves as a critical transit route for cargo heading to and from Nairobi, has long been known for its dangerous curves and steep inclines. Over the years, the road has witnessed numerous accidents involving heavy commercial vehicles, and Wednesday’s tragedy is the latest in a series of fatal incidents that have raised concerns over road safety in the area.

Eyewitnesses recounted the horrific scene, with one resident describing the harrowing sight of the tanker barreling down the road before the collision. “The tanker was moving at a high speed and looked out of control. Within seconds, it hit the matatu, and everything went silent. People were screaming for help, but there was little we could do until the rescue teams arrived,” said the witness.

In the aftermath of the accident, questions have arisen about the safety measures in place for heavy commercial vehicles using the route. The steep gradients and sharp bends on the Mai Mahiu road make it particularly hazardous for large vehicles, especially those transporting volatile materials such as LPG. Calls for stricter regulations, better driver training, and improved road design have been growing in recent years, as the number of accidents continues to rise.

As investigations into the accident get underway, authorities are urging drivers to exercise caution while navigating the treacherous sections of the Mai Mahiu road. Traffic police have heightened their presence in the area, conducting inspections and ensuring that all vehicles, particularly those carrying hazardous materials, are compliant with safety standards.

The tragic loss of life in this latest incident has left the local community in shock, with many mourning the lives lost and calling for urgent action to prevent similar tragedies in the future. While the full extent of the damage and the exact number of casualties are still being determined, the Mai Mahiu accident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of road safety and the need for ongoing vigilance on Kenya’s highways.

For now, the families of those involved in the crash are left to await news of their loved ones as emergency teams work to complete the rescue and recovery operations. The accident has reignited a national conversation about road safety, particularly the management of heavy commercial vehicles on Kenya’s busy and often dangerous highways.