A late-night collision between a truck and a trailer on August 24 brought traffic to a halt along the busy Nairobi-Mombasa highway.
The accident occurred near Kanga Bridge, between Voi and Mutitu, completely blocking both lanes and causing a major traffic snarl-up.
As of the morning of August 25, authorities had not confirmed any injuries or fatalities. The Long-Distance Drivers and Conductors Association reported the incident early, stating, “An accident has occurred at Kanga Bridge between Mutitu and Voi. No traffic movement on both sides.”
This incident comes just days after Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir released a report highlighting the country’s road safety challenges.
According to Chirchir, poor infrastructure, reckless driving, and inadequate vehicle maintenance are the leading causes of road accidents.
“Our findings underscore that poorly maintained roads, reckless driving, and vehicle defects remain the leading causes of fatalities,” said Chirchir.
He noted that the government, in collaboration with the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), is prioritizing the repair of dangerous road sections and emphasized the need for adherence to vehicle standards under Sh 372:2019.
With schools reopening across the country, the ministry is urging drivers to exercise extra caution, particularly around school zones.
“Drivers and motorcyclists must ensure their vehicles are well maintained, appropriately licensed, and that they drive slowly around educational institutions,” Chirchir added.
Just a day earlier, 15 people were injured in another late-night accident at Kibarani, Mombasa, when a public service vehicle (PSV) collided with a cargo truck.
The crash caused panic among residents before emergency responders and bystanders assisted.
According to the Kenya Red Cross, the injured were quickly taken to nearby hospitals by well-wishers.
“A road traffic accident involving a PSV matatu and a cargo container has occurred at Kibarani, just after UG Holdings, Mombasa County,” read the Red Cross statement.
“Update: Fifteen people sustained injuries and were taken to health facilities by well-wishers. Thankfully, no lives were lost. The scene has been cleared.”
These incidents add to a growing list of road tragedies in August. So far, about 50 people have lost their lives in road accidents this month alone.
Among the deadliest was the August 8 crash at the Coptic Roundabout in Kisumu, where 27 people died after a school bus from AIC Naki High School veered off the road and plunged into a ditch.
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