At Least 7 People Killed in Head-On Collision along Nairobi-Namanga Highway
- At least seven people lost their lives after a Nailepu Sacco matatu collided head-on with a lorry at Korompoi, Kitengela, on the Nairobi-Namanga Highway
- Police said four women and three men died instantly, while several other passengers sustained critical injuries and were rushed to hospitals
- Preliminary reports indicated the lorry was overtaking when the crash occurred, with heavy morning fog reducing visibility on the busy highway
- Angry residents later torched the lorry and blocked the road, demanding speed bumps and better signage at the accident-prone stretch
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Didacus Malowa, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.
At least seven people have died after a grisly road crash involving a public service vehicle and a lorry at Korompoi, Kitengela, along the Nairobi-Namanga Highway.
Source: Facebook
The accident, which occurred on Saturday, August 9, at about 9am, when a 14-seater Nailepu Sacco matatu heading towards Kitengela collided head-on with a lorry travelling in the opposite direction towards Isinya.
Isinya Sub-County Police Commander Simon Lomitari confirmed the tragic incident, stating that four women and three men died on the spot.
Several other passengers sustained critical injuries and were rushed to various hospitals across Isinya Sub County.
"It is indeed a sad morning, we have lost four female adults and three male adults in a tragic accident. The seven succumbed on the spot. Several others have been critically injured and rushed to various hospitals," Lokitari revealed.
He further stated that the bodies of the deceased were taken to the Saitoti Hospital morgue, awaiting identification.
How did the Korompoi accident happen?
According to residents and preliminary investigations, the lorry was attempting to overtake when the collision occurred.
He noted that motorists often speed on that stretch of road because it appears clear of heavy traffic, increasing the risk of accidents.
Eyewitnesses said visibility was poor at the time due to heavy morning fog, with most motorists driving with headlights on.
Source: Facebook
The crash caused a massive traffic jam on the busy highway as police and locals worked to rescue survivors and retrieve bodies from the wreckage.
Agitated residents later torched the lorry, reducing it to ashes.
They also blocked the road in protest, demanding the installation of speed bumps and proper road signage at the accident-prone section.
Many locals claim that the stretch between Kitengela and Isinya has seen frequent accidents, especially during early mornings when fog limits visibility.
How did 25 mourners die along Kisumu-Kakamega Highway?
The accident comes hours after a tragic bus crash on the Kisumu-Kakamega highway claimed at least 25 lives as mourners returned from a funeral.
Nineteen people died on the spot, while six others succumbed to their injuries while getting medical aid at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital.
The vehicle reportedly lost control at high speed near the Coptic roundabout, veered off the road, overturned, and plunged into a ditch.
Victims included both men and women, along with a young girl. Twenty-nine people were hospitalised initially, with four succumbing to injuries later.
Proofreading by Asher Omondi, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
