NAKURU, Kenya – The nation is in mourning today as the devastating death toll from a grisly road accident along the Nairobi-Nakuru highway near Gilgil has risen to 16 people. The tragic incident, which occurred on Tuesday, involved a collision between a matatu and a truck, marking one of the deadliest road crashes in the region this year.
According to eyewitnesses and preliminary reports from police at the scene, the matatu, which was headed towards Nakuru, appears to have attempted an overtaking maneuver before colliding head-on with an oncoming truck. The impact was catastrophic, resulting in immediate fatalities and severe injuries.
Rescue and Response Efforts
Emergency services, including a rapid response team from the Kenya Red Cross, were dispatched to the scene. First responders worked tirelessly to extract survivors from the wreckage, rushing them to nearby hospitals in Gilgil and Nakuru. Unfortunately, several victims succumbed to their injuries while receiving treatment, leading to the revised, heartbreaking death toll.
“The scene was devastating. Our teams are providing psychosocial support to the survivors and the families affected. We urge all road users to exercise extreme caution,” stated a representative from the Kenya Red Cross.
Official Statements and Calls for Action
The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has confirmed the incident and stated that a comprehensive investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the crash. This tragedy has once again ignited urgent calls from the public and transport stakeholders for stricter enforcement of traffic laws, particularly concerning speed and reckless overtaking on Kenya’s busy highways.
As the community reels from this immense loss, families are struggling to identify their loved ones. This developing story serves as a somber reminder of the fragility of life and the critical importance of road safety.
Stay with Kenya News Hub for further updates on this tragic story.
