Sixteen people have died following a devastating road accident on Sunday afternoon near Kikopey in Gilgil, along the busy Nakuru-Nairobi highway.
According to Nakuru County Police Commander Emmanuel Opuru, the victims were traveling in a 14-seater matatu headed to Nakuru when it collided head-on with a truck.
Thirteen passengers died instantly, while three others succumbed to their injuries while receiving treatment in hospital. Among those who died on Monday were two children.
“The matatu was overtaking when it rammed into the oncoming trailer, causing 13 immediate fatalities and leaving several others seriously injured,” said Opuru.
Preliminary reports indicate the matatu had been hired from Nairobi to transport a group of relatives and friends to a family function in Nakuru.
Emergency responders from the Kenya Red Cross, Gilgil Sub-county Hospital, and local police were quickly dispatched to the scene.
Survivors with critical injuries were rushed to Nakuru Level 5 Hospital for specialized treatment.
Authorities say the stretch of road where the crash occurred is a known blackspot, with frequent accidents attributed to reckless driving, speeding, and poor visibility, especially during overtaking maneuvers on the two-way highway.
Traffic along the highway was temporarily disrupted as rescue operations were carried out and the wreckage cleared from the scene.
Police have launched a full investigation to determine the exact cause of the collision, and are urging motorists to exercise extreme caution, especially during the high-travel season.
The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has also been notified and is expected to release an official statement after reviewing the incident.
This tragic accident adds to the growing number of fatalities reported on Kenyan roads in recent months, with authorities renewing calls for stricter enforcement of traffic laws and enhanced public awareness on road safety.
