Three unknown people have lost their lives in a road accident along the Mutunduri-Kiajokoma Road in Embu County on Sunday morning.
The accident, which occurred at dawn, involved a Toyota Probox that burst into flames after veering off the road and smashing into a roadside workshop.
Confirming the incident, Embu North OCPD Benjamin Kiprono said that the driver lost control of the vehicle, which was headed towards Manyatta, causing it to leave its lane and crash violently.
Consequently, the impact of the collision triggered a devastating fire that engulfed the entire car within moments.
“All three occupants of the vehicle were burnt beyond recognition,” Kiprono stated.
Further, he added that police and emergency responders rushed to the scene shortly after the crash was reported, but unfortunately, it was too late to save those inside.
Also Read: 7 Dead in Separate Accidents Involving Bus Full of Passengers, Matatu & School Bus
Police Investigating the Probox Crash
As police comb through the wreckage to ensure there are no additional victims trapped, the cause of the crash remains under investigation.
However, preliminary reports suggest that high speed and possible mechanical failure may have contributed to the driver losing control.
The tragic incident adds to the growing concern about road safety in various parts of the country.
On Saturday, January 11, a total number of seven people died in two separate accidents. In the first accident, three people died after a Public Service Vehicle (PSV) bus they were travelling in crashed along the Londiani-Kisumu highway.
In the second accident that happened on Friday night, four people died following a crash involving a school bus and a PSV matatu along the Kapsabet – Eldoret highway.
The crash occurred at around 8:00 pm at Mutwot area when the matatu which was being driven from Kapsabet direction towards Eldoret veered from its lane before colliding with a school bus belonging to Cheptabach Secondary School.
Also Read: Southern Bypass Thief Causing Accidents to Rob Families Exposed
NTSA Statistics on Road Accidents
Recent statistics from the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) show a worrying increase in road fatalities, with many accidents attributed to speeding, reckless driving, and poorly maintained vehicles.
According to a September 2024 report, road accidents claimed at least 3,056 lives between January 1 and August 27, 2024.
According to the report, pedestrians continue to bear the brunt of road carnage, with a 15 per cent increase to 1,177 compared to 1,044 who lost their lives by the same date in 2023.
Similarly, the number of passengers killed rose by 15 per cent, with at least 595 losing their lives in road crashes, compared to 519 in 2023. Two hundred and sixty-two drivers also lost their lives.
“Since the year started 7,114 Kenyans have been involved in road accidents, marking an increase of 703 compared to last year. A total of 3,674 were seriously injured and 585 suffered minor injuries,” NTSA said.
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