A tragic accident on the Nakuru-Eldoret highway claimed the lives of fourteen people in the early hours of Friday morning after a lorry carrying coffee berries collided with a matatu at the notorious Migaa blackspot in Molo. Preliminary investigations suggest that the lorry’s brakes failed, causing the driver to lose control and crash into the passenger vehicle before both plunged into a ditch.
Rift Valley police boss Jasper Ombati confirmed the incident, stating that all passengers aboard the matatu, including its driver, perished in the crash. The matatu, belonging to the Kitale Shuttle Sacco, had twelve victims, while the lorry carried two fatalities, including the driver and a crew member.
“The lorry lost its brakes in the drift and rammed into the matatu, dragging it for a distance before both vehicles landed in a ditch, killing everyone on board,” Ombati said.
Police spokesman Michael Muchiri further revealed that among the deceased were nine males, four females, and a child. He emphasized that the crash occurred in a well-known accident-prone area, urging motorists to exercise extra caution when approaching the section of the highway.
“That area is a known black spot, and we urge motorists to be cautious when driving through. A campaign to address the menace will be launched soon,” Muchiri stated.
Despite numerous road safety campaigns, fatal traffic accidents continue to rise, with authorities grappling with ways to curb the growing trend. Statistics indicate that over 4,000 people die annually in road crashes, with thousands more suffering severe injuries, leaving families devastated.
Police data shows that 4,282 people were killed in road accidents between January and November 2024, a significant increase from the 3,901 fatalities recorded during the same period in 2023. The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) attributes the majority of these crashes to causes such as hit-and-run incidents, tyre bursts, loss of vehicle control, improper overtaking, and failure to maintain the correct lane, which often leads to head-on collisions.
As authorities launch fresh road safety measures, motorists are urged to prioritize caution and adhere to traffic regulations to prevent further loss of lives.
