Fourteen people died on Friday after a lorry driver collided with a matatu ferrying passengers at the Migaa blackspot along the Nakuru-Eldoret highway.
Rift Valley police boss Jasper Ombati said the lorry was carrying coffee berries at the time of the 3 am accident.
“We suspect the brakes failed in the drift before the lorry rammed into the matatu, dragging it for a distance before they landed in a ditch, killing all in both vehicles,” Ombati said.
Migaa is a notorious black spot along the highway in Molo. Twelve of the victims, including the driver, were in the matatu, which belongs to the Kitale Shuttle Sacco. The other two victims were in the lorry.
Police spokesman Michael Muchiri said the victims included nine males, four females and a child. He said preliminary findings show the driver lost control of the vehicle before the crash, trapping the passengers on board.
The lorry driver and his crew were also trapped. Emergency service providers responded to the scene but could not help. The bodies were moved to the mortuary.
Muchiri said given that the scene is designated as dangerous, there is a need for caution for the drivers using the route.
“That area is a known black spot and we urge motorists to be cautious when approaching there,” he said, adding that a campaign to address the menace will be launched.
Fatal traffic accidents have been on the rise amid road safety campaigns, as police team up with government agencies to curb the trend.
More than 4,000 people are killed annually in accidents and thousands of others left with injuries that leave a trail of negative impact on families.
Statistics provided by police show some 4,282 people were killed in accidents between January and November 2024, as compared to 3,901 reported in the same period in 2023.
The National Transport and Safety Authority says the leading causes of fatal crashes include hit-and-runs, tyre bursts and vehicles and motorcycles losing control.
Also, overtaking improperly and failing to keep the proper lane, resulting in head-on collisions, are mentioned as causes.
