Feb,12th 2021 – Nine people have died in an accident involving a trailer and a matatu along the Nakuru-Nairobi highway. A molo-line Nissan Matatu coming from Nakuru collided head-on with the trailer which was overtaking in the opposite direction.
Gilgil Sub County police Commander John Onditi said, “Witnesses say the trailer was overtaking another car when it collided with matatu that was oncoming. We have lost almost all onboard the matatu.”
Investigations indicate that the matatu was carrying passengers in excess, despite the set covid-19 precautionary measures. The number of those who sustained injuries and are receiving treatment in different hospitals stands at four.
The total number of passengers who had boarded the vehicle now sums to 13. The police commander said, “We are expecting management of the matatu to record a statement with the police, to explain why they defied Covid-19 regulations.”
The trailer’s driver who escaped death narrowly is helping the police with investigations. The police and the Red Cross emergency team were already at the scene.
According to the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) Director General Francis Meja, the matatu was operating without a valid inspection certificate and NTSA license.
According to the Police Commander, the accident took place at 5 am. As a result, there was a major traffic snarl-up which according to reports, the roads have now been cleared.
Nakuru-Nairobi highway is notorious for tragic accidents that have claimed many lives over the years.
The bodies of the deceased have been taken to a local mortuary as relatives attempt to identify the bodies.