Nairobi, July 23, 2024 – Two people were confirmed dead and three others seriously injured following a multi-vehicle collision on the Southern Bypass early Tuesday morning. The accident, which occurred at approximately 6:30 am near the Ole Sereni area, has been described as one of the most severe incidents on the bypass in recent months.
According to police reports, the tragedy began when a lorry traveling from Kikuyu lost control, veering across its lane into oncoming traffic. The out-of-control lorry collided with a trailer moving in the opposite direction. The violent impact caused a chain reaction, affecting three additional vehicles that were following the trailer.
The collision triggered a fierce blaze that engulfed several of the vehicles involved. The fire consumed a significant portion of the vehicles, making rescue operations particularly challenging. Firefighters arrived on the scene and managed to contain the flames, but not before the intense heat left one of the drivers burned beyond recognition.
The fatalities included both drivers involved in the crash. Rescue teams swiftly responded to the accident site, working to extricate passengers who had been trapped in their vehicles. The injured were transported to local hospitals for emergency treatment. Their conditions vary, but authorities report that they sustained multiple injuries.
National Police spokesperson Dr. Resla Onyango confirmed the deaths and injuries, noting that an investigation into the cause of the accident is underway. “We are investigating how and why this accident occurred,” Dr. Onyango said, emphasizing that the incident is still under review.
In response to the accident, traffic flow was diverted from the Mombasa Road direction, resulting in significant congestion in the area. Police and emergency services worked to manage the situation and facilitate the rescue efforts, but the diversion contributed to a major traffic jam, complicating the morning commute for many.
This accident underscores the ongoing issue of road safety in Kenya, where up to 4,000 people are killed in traffic incidents annually. The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has highlighted various causes of fatal crashes, including hit-and-runs, tyre bursts, and driver errors such as improper overtaking and lane departures leading to head-on collisions.
Authorities and road safety agencies continue to ramp up campaigns to address these issues, aiming to reduce the frequency and severity of traffic accidents. The Southern Bypass incident serves as a stark reminder of the critical need for ongoing vigilance and improvement in road safety measures.
As investigations continue, the focus remains on understanding the precise factors that led to this tragic accident and preventing similar incidents in the future.