Road accidents continue to raise concern across the country as more lives are lost on major highways and busy roads. Safety authorities and traffic officers have repeatedly warned drivers to remain careful, but tragic incidents are still being reported in different parts of the country.
A serious road crash on Thursday, March 5, claimed several lives along the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway in Taita Taveta County. The accident happened at the Manyatta area and involved a Chania Executive bus and a trailer that collided head-on. The impact left the passenger bus badly damaged and caused panic among other motorists using the road at the time.
According to police and witnesses who arrived at the scene shortly after the crash, the public service vehicle had tried to overtake another vehicle along the busy highway.
During the attempt, the driver reportedly lost control of the bus. Within moments, a trailer approaching from the opposite direction rammed into the bus with great force.
The collision mainly affected the right side of the bus, where the trailer struck directly. The impact destroyed part of the vehicle and forced it off the road. Several passengers who were seated on that side of the bus suffered the worst injuries.
Authorities later confirmed that at least six people died at the scene following the crash. The victims were among those seated close to the point where the trailer hit the bus.
Several other passengers were seriously injured during the accident. Emergency responders, police officers, and members of the public quickly rushed to the area to assist in rescue efforts. Some survivors were trapped inside the wreckage and had to be carefully removed before they could be taken for medical help.
The injured passengers were rushed to Moi Referral Hospital in Voi where doctors and medical staff are currently treating them.
Police officers have since launched investigations to determine the exact cause of the accident. Officers are expected to examine factors such as speeding, overtaking, and the condition of the vehicles involved.
Authorities are continuing to remind drivers to follow traffic rules and remain patient while using major highways. Road safety officials say dangerous overtaking and speeding remain some of the leading causes of deadly accidents on Kenya’s roads.
