At least 16 people have been confirmed dead following a devastating road accident near Dedan Kimathi University of Technology along the busy Nyeri Mweiga road in Nyeri County.The crash, which occurred earlier in the day, involved a matatu and a lorry, both of which were extensively damaged upon impact. According to eyewitness accounts, the collision was head-on, with the force of the impact leaving several passengers trapped inside the wreckage of the matatu.
Emergency response teams, including police officers and local residents, swiftly arrived at the scene and began rescue operations.Survivors were pulled from the twisted metal and rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment, with some reported to be in critical condition.
Tragically, a number of victims died instantly, while others succumbed to their injuries while receiving medical attention.Authorities have cordoned off the area as investigations into the cause of the accident get underway. Preliminary reports suggest that one of the vehicles may have lost control before the collision, although officials say a full assessment will be conducted to establish the exact circumstances leading to the crash.
The Nyeri–Mweiga road, a key transport corridor connecting Nyeri to Nyahururu and other parts of the region, has in the past been flagged as an accident-prone stretch, raising renewed concerns over road safety.Residents and leaders have often called for stricter enforcement of traffic regulations, improved road signage, and greater caution among drivers using the route.
The latest tragedy has once again sparked calls for motorists, particularly drivers of public service vehicles and heavy commercial trucks, to adhere to speed limits and exercise heightened vigilance, especially on busy highways.Police say efforts are ongoing to identify the victims and notify their families.Meanwhile, authorities have urged road users to avoid the area temporarily to allow for smooth rescue operations and clearance of the wreckage.
This incident adds to the growing number of road accidents reported across the country, underscoring the urgent need for sustained road safety measures to curb loss of lives on Kenyan roads.
