Six people sustained injuries early today after a lorry collided with a stationary 14-seater matatu along the Sagana-Karatina road in Kibingoti, Ndia Constituency, Kirinyaga County.
The crash occurred around 5 a.m., according to eyewitnesses. The matatu, en route to Karatina from Nairobi, had run out of fuel and was parked on the busy highway. Its driver had left to fetch fuel from a nearby station when the lorry rammed into the vehicle from behind.
Justin Karanja, a resident living near the scene, confirmed that six passengers who remained inside the matatu were injured. “We rushed them to two private hospitals in Kibingoti immediately after the crash,” Karanja stated. Passengers who had exited the vehicle while waiting for the driver narrowly escaped harm.
Traffic police officers from Sagana Police Station responded promptly after being alerted about the incident. Both the lorry and the matatu were later towed to the station for further investigations.
Kirinyaga West Sub-County Police Commander Moses Koskei confirmed the incident, emphasizing the need for drivers to adhere to traffic rules, especially during the festive season when roads are busier.
The accident underscores the importance of safety precautions during roadside emergencies. Authorities have urged motorists to ensure their vehicles are adequately fuelled before embarking on long journeys to prevent such incidents.
As investigations continue, officials remind road users to exercise caution and prioritize safety on the highways.