A witness has recalled the moments that led to the deadly Salama road accident that claimed the lives of 17 people along the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway on the night of October 2.
Speaking to the media on Saturday, the witness said he heard a loud explosion between 11 p.m. and midnight, after which residents rushed to the scene and found several vehicles involved in the crash.
“At around 11 p.m. to midnight, I heard an explosion on the road. We left our homes and went to the scene,” he narrated.
Upon arriving, the witness said the first vehicle encountered was a truck that had overturned. Several other vehicles were also involved in the crash further along the road.
The witness said the vehicles included a small car, a Nissan, and a lorry carrying ballast.
“When we arrived, we found the Canter truck overturned. A Nissan and a ballast lorry were also involved. People were inside the Nissan, while those in the lorry had been thrown out.”
According to the witness, the ballast lorry overturned before colliding with another vehicle behind it.
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The witness said people were still trapped inside the Nissan when residents arrived, while occupants of the lorry had been thrown out during the crash.
Residents then moved to secure the area and began helping people trapped in the wreckage.
The witness said traffic police were called to the scene and arrived as residents started removing people from the involved vehicles. Everyone in the matatu, he said, had died.
Several others were injured in the crash and were taken to the Sultan Hamud Hospital for treatment, while the bodies of those who died were taken to the hospital mortuary.
Church Confirms 17 Pilgrims Killed in Salama Crash
In a statement shared on Saturday, the Archdiocese of Mombasa confirmed that 17 pilgrims from St Mathias Mulumba Parish in Mikindani died in the Salama road accident.
The pilgrims were travelling to the Subukia National Shrine, where they were expected to attend the National Prayer Day.
Mombasa Archbishop Martin Kivuva Musonde mourned the victims and sent condolences to their families, the parish and the wider Catholic community.
He also called on the faithful to pray for those who lost their lives in the crash.
“We are saddened with lots of grief to announce the untimely passing of seventeen (17) pilgrims from St. Mathias Mulumba, Mikindani, in an accident that occurred at Salama. The pilgrims were on their way to the National Shrine, Subukia, for the National Prayer Day (NPD),” the Archbishop said.
Photos from the scene showed the extent of the damage, with a white matatu lying on its side after the nighttime crash.
The vehicle sustained extensive damage to its roof and body, and several windows were shattered. Mud and debris were also visible around the wreckage.
Emergency responders and members of the public were seen near the scene, with some wearing reflective safety jackets as vehicles illuminated the area with their headlights.
Footage from the scene also showed police officers towing the lorry and matatu from the road, while debris remained scattered along the roadside.
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NTSA Dispatches Crash Investigation Team
The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) dispatched a multidisciplinary crash investigation team to Salama to establish the circumstances surrounding the accident.
In a statement on October 3, the authority said the team would examine issues including vehicle inspection and compliance as part of the investigation.
“The Authority has dispatched a multi-disciplinary crash investigation team to Salama to establish the full circumstances leading to the crash, including vehicle inspection and compliance,” NTSA said.
The authority confirmed that the crash had claimed 17 lives, while several other people sustained injuries and were receiving treatment.
NTSA also described the Mlima Kiu-Salama stretch as a blackspot and said it had previously recommended measures to address safety concerns along the corridor.
While investigations continue, the authority urged motorists to exercise extreme caution, avoid dangerous overtaking and strictly observe lane discipline.
Leaders Mourn Salama Crash Victims
In reaction to the news, President William Ruto sent condolences to the families of the 17 pilgrims who died in the Salama road accident.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Ruto also wished those injured in the crash a quick recovery and extended his condolences to the victims’ families, friends, parishioners and the wider Catholic community.
“Our heartfelt condolences go to the families, friends, parishioners and the entire Catholic community who are mourning this painful loss. We stand with them in this difficult moment and pray that God grants them strength, comfort and peace,” Ruto said.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua also mourned the victims, conveying his condolences to Mombasa Archbishop Martin Kivuva Musonde, the clergy and the wider Catholic fraternity.
On his part, Wiper Patriotic Front Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka called for renewed attention to road safety following the deaths.
He urged drivers, passengers, transport operators and other road users to exercise caution and take greater responsibility while using the country’s roads.
Mombasa businessman and politician Suleiman Shahbal also sent his condolences to the victims’ families and loved ones, praying for strength, comfort and consolation during the difficult period.
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