Seven people lost their lives and eight others were seriously injured following a head-on collision involving a trailer and two matatus along the Eldoret-Nakuru Road in Ainabkoi Sub-County, Uasin Gishu County.
The crash occurred around 8:30 pm on Thursday near Mlima Punda. Authorities confirmed the vehicles involved included a Mercedes Actros trailer and two Toyota Hiace matatus, one identified as a Shuttle matatu.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the trailer, traveling from Nakuru towards Eldoret, attempted to overtake while descending a hill. This maneuver caused it to veer into the opposite lane, colliding with the two oncoming matatus.
The impact resulted in the deaths of the Shuttle matatu driver and six passengers at the scene. Eight other passengers sustained serious injuries and were rushed to Burnt Forest Hospital for emergency treatment.
The deceased were transferred to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital mortuary in Eldoret, where post-mortem examinations and identification procedures are underway. The wreckage has been impounded at Tarakwa Police Station as investigations continue.
Broader Road Safety Concerns
This incident was one of at least six accidents reported on the same day, collectively resulting in 17 fatalities and 27 serious injuries across the region. Victims included passengers, pedestrians, motorcyclists, and drivers.
In a separate incident, two women died in a hit-and-run crash involving a motorcycle in Kisii County. Police are actively searching for the driver responsible and urge anyone with information to come forward.
