Five people have been reported dead and two others injured in an accident involving multiple vehicles along the Eldoret-Malaba Highway.
Lugari sub-County police commander Julius Meli confirmed that the accident involved an oil tanker, tractor and Probox.
He said the incident happened at Murugusi at around 4am on Sunday, August 25.
The oil tanker was heading for the Malaba border, the probox vehicle was travelling from Busia while the tractor carried hardcore building materials.
The passengers who survived with serious injuries have been admitted at the Eldoret Hospital.
The police said the oil tanker which was reportedly speeding hit the tractor before crashing into an oncoming Probox vehicle.
The victims were among the seven passengers who were in the Probox vehicle. Two of the passengers managed to jump out of the vehicle but suffered serious injuries.
However, the drivers of both the oil tanker and the tractor escaped unhurmed.
Meli stated that the tractor driver and his passengers escaped after the accident.
“We have arrested the driver of the oil tanker and are pursuing the occupants of the tractor who are at large,” Mr Meli said.
The bodies have been moved to Webuye Sub-County Mortuary for identification and autopsy.
Police IG Raises Concerns on Increased Road Accidents
This comes after Acting Inspector General (IG) of Police Gilbert Masengeli issued a statement on the increased number of road traffic accidents.
Masengeli said the National Police Service (NPS) is concerned about the spike in road traffic accidents especially along the Nairobi-Nakuru Highway.
“It is quite regrettable that most of these road crashes have been associated with human misbehavior particularly speeding, recklessness, driving under the influence of alcohol, and dangerous overtaking,” Masengeli said.
He revealed that the NPS and leaders from the Kenya Matatu Council held a fruitful meeting on August 23 geared towards enhancing road safety.
Also Read: Police Issue Statement After Accidents Spike on Nairobi-Nakuru Highway
NTSA Statistics
The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) reports that between January and July 7, 2024, road crashes in Kenya claimed at least 2,407 lives.
Out of this, 6,083 people were seriously injured, and 4,083 sustained minor injuries.
The fatalities included 919 pedestrians, 210 drivers, 478 passengers, 199 pillion passengers, 46 pedal cyclists, and 555 motorcyclists.
Also Read: NTSA Issues Guidelines to Drivers Ahead of School Reopening
NTSA said 389 deaths were recorded in January, 374 in February, 403 in March, 388 in April, 341 in May and 411 in June.
Additionally, a total of 101 road fatalities were reported between July 1, to July 7, 2024.
According to NTSA most of the accidents recorded in the first week of July occurred between 3 pm and 11 pm with the peak being at 9pm.
The Authority also said Saturday, Monday and Sunday had the highest fatalities at 21, 18 and 15 respectively.
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