At least five people lost their lives Saturday in a devastating road accident along the Mombasa–Nairobi Highway near Salama in Makueni County. Police confirmed that the victims included a student, while seven others sustained serious injuries.
The crash involved a matatu and a lorry, resulting in the matatu overturning on its side. Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with vehicles heavily damaged and passengers trapped inside.
Emergency response was hampered by a shortage of ambulances, forcing police officers and local residents to improvise transport for both the injured and the deceased.
Those who survived the accident were rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment, while the bodies of the deceased were moved to the local mortuary.
Witnesses said poor visibility and slippery roads caused by ongoing rains may have contributed to the tragedy.
The incident comes amid a series of road accidents nationwide. Police reported that seven people were killed in separate crashes on Friday night, including three pedestrians, two motorbike riders, a driver, and a pedal cyclist.
The accidents left 21 people seriously injured. These included three passengers, seven riders, five pillion passengers, five pedestrians, and a driver, according to police reports.
Authorities continue to urge motorists to exercise caution, particularly during adverse weather conditions, and are investigating the causes of the crashes.
