Early on Saturday morning, a tragic road accident claimed the lives of eight individuals along the Mwea–Embu Road near Murubara area.
The incident occurred around 6:45 a.m. when a lorry traveling from Mwea to Embu reportedly veered into the opposite lane to avoid potholes, colliding head-on with a tuk-tuk moving in the opposite direction.
Casualties and Injuries
- Four adult women passengers in the tuk-tuk lost their lives.
- Three adult women walking along the road shoulder were also fatally struck during the collision.
- A 29-year-old male passenger in the lorry died.
- One female passenger, aged 27, sustained minor knee injuries and was taken to Kimbimbi Level IV Hospital for treatment.
Response and Investigation
Police promptly responded to the scene, arrested the lorry driver, and have launched an investigation into the cause of the crash. Preliminary findings suggest the driver’s attempt to avoid potholes may have led to the collision.
The deceased were taken to Kerugoya Level V Hospital Mortuary for postmortem examinations and identification. Both vehicles were heavily damaged and have been impounded at the police station for further inspection.
Context
This accident adds to a series of fatal road crashes in Kenya, following a separate incident on Friday in Eldoret and Isiolo where 17 people died and more than 20 were injured.
National authorities continue to highlight reckless driving, speeding, drunk driving, and vehicle mechanical failures as key factors contributing to the rising number of road accidents despite ongoing safety campaigns.
