Nakuru Collision: Truck Engulfs in Flames After Head-on Crash with Matatu
A family is in mourning after a loved one was killed in an accident on the Nakuru-Eldoret Highway in the Ngata Baraka Area on the evening of Sunday, July 9.
The gruesome accident occurred at approximately 11 p.m. when a vehicle traveling at an excessive rate of speed collided with a matatu transporting nighttime travelers.
According to a preliminary assessment made by Nakuru Police officers, the vehicle transporting sacks of maize to various parts of the region appeared to have lost control.
Francis Wahome, the commander of the Nakuru West Sub County Police, stated that the truck’s brakes appeared to have been malfunctioning before the collision.
Wahome added that the vehicle collided with a sturdy steel bridge at the Ngata crossline, resulting in the unfortunate puncture of its fuel tank and the instant ignition of a fire.
“The other vehicle had six occupants who reported minor injuries,” Wahome told the on-scene journalists.
Eyewitnesses corroborated police accounts, stating that the truck burst into flames immediately after colliding with the truck, killing a 9-year-old child and injuring eight other occupants.
The injured passengers were reportedly swiftly evacuated from the scene and deposited in ambulances.
They were then given immediate first aid before being swiftly transported to nearby institutions for additional medical care.
It was also reported that the vehicle had a Sudanese license plate, indicating that it had traveled a considerable distance before colliding with the matatu.
However, Wahome stated that they were still investigating to determine the precise cause of the accident and to press charges if necessary.
The Sub-County Police Commander advised motorists to exercise caution while traveling on the road, adding that long-distance drivers should periodically service their vehicles to prevent unnecessary accidents.
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National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) released a report on road accidents from January to June 2023 on Thursday, June 29. The report indicates that there were 2,124 road fatalities during this period, a decrease of 137 compared to the same period in 2022.
The report also categorizes fatalities by road user classification.
729 pedestrians were fatally injured, followed by 561 motorcyclists, 403 passengers, 196 pillion passengers, 189 drivers, and 46 pedal cyclists.
In addition, the report reveals that speeding (32%), intoxicated driving (23%), and reckless driving (18%) were the most common causes of road accidents. Other contributors included disobedience of traffic laws, the use of mobile phones while traveling, and overloading of vehicles.
The NTSA implored drivers to exercise caution and abide by traffic laws. Additionally, the Authority stated that it will continue to enforce traffic laws and clamp down on drunk driving.
Nakuru Collision: Truck Engulfs in Flames After Head-on Crash with Matatu
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