At least 12 people were Thursday night killed in a road accident involving a Nissan matatu and a lorry at Arimi along Njoro-Elburgon Road, Nakuru County.
Police said the fatal accident occurred when the lorry collided with the 14-seater passenger vehicle. Police said the driver of the matatu had lost control, leading to the crash.
At least two other passengers
sustained injuries in the accident, traffic commandant Fredrick Ochieng said.
“The driver is said to have lost
control of the matatu before the accident happened, leaving 12 passengers dead.
We are investigating the tragedy which happened at about 7 pm,” he said.
Arimi area has long
been considered a black spot, with drivers and motorists being urged to exercise
vigilance while on the busy road.
The deceased were
taken to a local mortuary where their families and friends thronged on Friday to
help in processing the accident.
This will involve
autopsies on the bodies before they are released for burial.
Fatal
traffic accidents have been on the rise in the country amid a campaign to
address the trend.
Police
have teamed up with government agencies in the campaign.
More
than 4000 people are killed annually in accidents in the country.
Thousands
of others are left with injuries that leave a trail of negative impact on
families.
Statistics
provided by police show some 4,282 people had been killed in accidents between
January and November 2024 as compared to 3,901 that were reported in the same
period in 2023.
A
total of 21,620 accidents were reported between January and November 2024 as
compared to 20,191 of 2023 during the same period.
The
National Transport and Safety Authority says the leading causes of fatal
crashes include hit-and-run, tyre bursts, and vehicles and motorcycles losing
control.
Also, overtaking improperly and failing to keep the proper lane, resulting in
head-on collisions, are mentioned as causes.
There are ongoing efforts to address the menace.
