The Nairobi-Mombasa highway was once again thrown into mourning on Saturday, August 16, after an accident at Kwa Mautiiyo in Malili claimed two lives and left three others nursing injuries.
The crash happened early in the morning at around 7:30 am and involved a pick-up truck and two trailers.
According to police reports, the pick-up was attempting to overtake one of the trailers when it collided head-on with an oncoming vehicle before being struck by another trailer moving in the same direction.
Athi River South Sub-County Police Commander David Kandie confirmed that the accident killed two people on the spot. The victims included the driver of one of the trailers and a 25-year-old man who had been seated at the back of the pick-up.
Three others were seriously injured but were rescued in time and taken to Machakos Level 5 Hospital, where they are currently receiving treatment.Police officers who responded to the scene immediately cordoned off the area to control traffic and ensure safety.
The pick-up truck was later towed to Kyumbi Police Station as part of ongoing investigations into the incident.
During the rescue and clearance efforts, nearby residents rushed to the scene and began siphoning fuel that had spilled from the vehicles, but police moved in quickly to stop them, averting a possible tragedy.
This accident adds to the worrying number of fatal crashes recorded on Kenyan roads in recent weeks. Just days ago, 27 people lost their lives in a horrific crash at the Coptic roundabout along the Kakamega-Kisumu highway.
Data from the National Transport and Safety Authority shows that between January and August 10 this year, 2,933 lives have been lost in road accidents, underscoring the urgent need for stronger safety measures.
In response to the rising cases, Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir has announced new plans to address the situation.
Speaking before members of parliament on Thursday, August 14, Chirchir said the government will overhaul the vehicle inspection process to eliminate unroadworthy vehicles from the roads.
He further revealed that resting zones will be established along major highways to help long-distance truck drivers reduce fatigue, a factor often linked to road accidents.
The tragic events on the Nairobi-Mombasa highway highlight the continuing risks faced by road users in Kenya.
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