A tragic road accident in Makueni County has claimed seven lives and left dozens injured, sparking public outrage after an eyewitness was photographed taking a selfie at the scene.
The incident occurred when a 46-seater matatu carrying about 50 passengers lost control near Kalembwani in Nzakika Ward. The vehicle veered off the main road and tumbled approximately 400 metres down a steep slope, eventually crashing onto rocks near a river.
Journey to a Family Celebration Ends in Tragedy
The passengers were en route from Nthongoni in Kibwezi to Katulye to attend a dowry ceremony when the accident happened. Several people were trapped inside the mangled vehicle, prompting nearby residents to rush to the scene to assist with rescue efforts.
One community member recounted how the cries of a child near the driver’s seat alerted residents to the crash, mobilizing them to help survivors before emergency responders arrived.
Rescue and Medical Response
- 41 survivors were taken to Makueni County Referral Hospital.
- 28 others were admitted to Matiliku Sub-County Hospital.
Medical teams continue to treat the injured as authorities investigate the cause of the crash.
Selfie at Scene Sparks Public Backlash
While rescue operations were underway, an eyewitness was seen taking a selfie at the crash site, an act that many Kenyans found insensitive and disrespectful. Social media users condemned the behavior, emphasizing the need for compassion and respect during such tragedies.
Comments included calls for prioritizing assistance over recording incidents, urging people to give space to emergency workers and to avoid treating accident scenes as opportunities for social media content.
Calls for Improved Road Safety
The accident has reignited discussions about road safety measures and emergency response protocols in Kenya. For the families affected, the loss is profound as what was meant to be a joyous occasion turned into a heartbreaking tragedy.
