The accident happened on Tuesday night at Mukhonje area in Lugari Sub-county, a busy section of the highway known for heavy traffic, especially during the festive season.
Authorities confirmed that the latest victims were boda boda riders who were involved in a secondary collision at the scene while transporting fertilizer bags that had spilled during the initial crash.
According to witnesses and local officials, the accident involved a matatu traveling from Eldoret and a truck loaded with fertilizer.
According to witnesses and local officials, the accident involved a matatu traveling from Eldoret and a truck loaded with fertilizer.
The truck was reportedly stationary by the roadside when the matatu rammed into it from behind as the driver attempted to overtake other vehicles.
Maturu Sub-location Assistant Chief Samuel Wamalwa confirmed that several people died on the spot, including the matatu driver. Eight passengers were initially confirmed dead, while others were rushed to nearby hospitals with serious injuries.
Survivors of the crash described moments of panic and confusion immediately after the impact. One passenger said they heard a loud bang before the vehicle came to a sudden stop.
“We were thrown forward. People were screaming. Those of us who survived had to escape through the windows because the doors were damaged,” the survivor said.
Residents of the area raised concerns over the presence of the stalled truck, claiming it had been parked along the road for more than two days without proper warning signs.
Maturu Sub-location Assistant Chief Samuel Wamalwa confirmed that several people died on the spot, including the matatu driver. Eight passengers were initially confirmed dead, while others were rushed to nearby hospitals with serious injuries.
Survivors of the crash described moments of panic and confusion immediately after the impact. One passenger said they heard a loud bang before the vehicle came to a sudden stop.
“We were thrown forward. People were screaming. Those of us who survived had to escape through the windows because the doors were damaged,” the survivor said.
Residents of the area raised concerns over the presence of the stalled truck, claiming it had been parked along the road for more than two days without proper warning signs.
One resident, John Sakwa, said the truck driver had been staying nearby while the vehicle remained on the roadside.
“This trailer had been here for about two days. Many vehicles pass here at high speed, especially in the evening. It was an accident waiting to happen,” he said.
The situation worsened after fertilizer bags spilled onto the road following the crash. Boda boda riders attempting to ferry the cargo reportedly collided, leading to additional injuries and deaths, pushing the toll to ten.
Police have since launched investigations to establish the exact cause of the accident and determine whether traffic rules were violated.
“This trailer had been here for about two days. Many vehicles pass here at high speed, especially in the evening. It was an accident waiting to happen,” he said.
The situation worsened after fertilizer bags spilled onto the road following the crash. Boda boda riders attempting to ferry the cargo reportedly collided, leading to additional injuries and deaths, pushing the toll to ten.
Police have since launched investigations to establish the exact cause of the accident and determine whether traffic rules were violated.
Motorists have been urged to exercise caution on highways, especially at night, while transport operators have been warned against leaving stalled vehicles on the road without clear warning signs.
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