A tragic road accident in the early hours of Saturday, April 19, claimed the lives of four individuals in Ruiru, Kiambu County. The crash occurred at approximately 3:40 am near Membley estate when a private vehicle collided with a stationary trailer that had been left on the roadside.
According to police reports, all four occupants of the private car died on the spot due to the sheer force of the impact. The vehicle was reportedly traveling at a high speed when the driver encountered the stalled trailer, leaving little to no time to react or avoid the collision.
Preliminary investigations suggest that speeding played a major role in the fatal crash. Authorities also cited poor visibility in the area as a contributing factor. Streetlights along that stretch of road were reportedly malfunctioning at the time, making it difficult for the driver to spot the obstacle ahead in time. Witnesses and first responders also noted that the trailer had not been properly marked with reflective signs or hazard indicators, which are required by law to alert oncoming traffic to stationary vehicles.
“We suspect the driver was speeding and was unable to see the trailer in time to stop or swerve,” said a local traffic police officer who arrived at the scene shortly after the crash. “The trailer was not well-lit, and there was no warning sign placed, which might have prevented this tragedy.”
The wreckage of the car was towed to the nearby Ruiru Police Station, and the bodies were moved to the City Mortuary for identification and post-mortem examinations. Authorities are urging drivers to exercise caution, especially during night hours, and to adhere to speed limits.
Meanwhile, the trailer driver may face charges for negligence, depending on the outcome of ongoing investigations. Police have promised a thorough probe into the incident to determine liability and prevent future occurrences of similar tragedies.
The accident has sparked renewed calls for improved road safety measures, including regular maintenance of streetlights and stricter enforcement of traffic regulations regarding stalled vehicles on public roads.
