A tragic road accident on Friday evening claimed the lives of two individuals and left 14 others injured along the Machakos-Kitui road in Kaseve, Machakos County.
Machakos County police commander Patrick Lobolia confirmed the fatalities, identifying the deceased as the driver of a Probox motor vehicle and his passenger. The crash involved a head-on collision between the Probox and a 14-seater matatu.
“The accident occurred when the Probox, reportedly heading towards Kitui, lost control, swerved into the matatu’s lane, and collided head-on,” Lobolia told the media shortly after the incident.
The matatu, which was en route to Machakos town, had 14 passengers on board, all of whom sustained varying degrees of injuries. Emergency responders rushed the injured to Machakos Level 5 Hospital for urgent medical attention.
The scene of the crash was quickly attended to by traffic officers from Machakos police station, who ensured the area was cleared of debris and facilitated the safe transport of the injured. The bodies of the deceased were taken to the Machakos Level 5 Hospital mortuary, where they are awaiting postmortem and identification.
Lobolia disclosed that preliminary investigations indicate the Probox driver lost control of the vehicle before veering into the matatu’s lane. However, a comprehensive inquiry has been launched to determine the exact cause of the accident.
This fatal accident has highlighted ongoing concerns about road safety in the region. The collision not only led to a loss of lives but also disrupted transport on the busy Machakos-Kitui road for hours as authorities managed the aftermath.
The vehicles involved in the crash were removed from the scene and taken to the Machakos police station for inspection and further action. Authorities have called on drivers to exercise caution and adhere to traffic regulations to prevent similar tragedies.
The accident serves as a somber reminder of the dangers posed by reckless driving and the importance of road safety measures. As investigations continue, families of the victims and the injured are left grappling with the aftermath of the harrowing incident.
Efforts to enhance road safety and reduce accidents remain a priority for local authorities, who urge drivers and passengers alike to remain vigilant while on the roads.
