Eight Kenyan athletes were among 22 individuals who were boarding a matatu that collided with another PSV along the Eldoret- Nakuru Highway in the Ngata area.
The accident which occurred on Sunday, September 8 night, claimed the life of two individuals while 20 others sustained injuries and were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Speaking after receiving treatment, one of the athletes, Lewis Kipkemboi, narrated that the team was on its way home after participating in the 3rd edition of the Nairobi City Marathon.
“We were traveling after participating in the Nairobi City County Marathon. I participated in the 10,000-meter run and was in position 15.
“We made a stopover in Nakuru and relaxed for about one hour. Shortly after resuming our journey, the vehicle crashed into another one. I don’t remember exactly what happened. I am grateful to God for protecting us,” he said.
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Coach Speaks After Athletes Survive Accident
The coach of the athletes, Boniface Tirin, expressed his sadness over the incident, asserting that the team was participating in the Nairobi City marathon.
“There were those competing in the 40km, 10km, and of course after the completion of the race they decided to go back home,” he said.
At the same time, another survivor narrated that the accident was caused by a saloon car that was attempting to overtake.
“Our Matatu collided head-on with the other vehicle. There was a saloon car that was trying to overtake, and it caused the confusion.”
In a separate incident, one person is feared dead after a trailer rammed into several vehicles before rolling at the Naivasha Kayole area along the Nakuru-Nairobi highway.
Also Read: Accident Alert: Three Dead in Kericho Accident Involving Multiple Vehicles
High Court Judge Accident
On the other hand, Isiolo High Court Judge Cherere Thripsisa Wanjiku Wamae sustained injuries after a vehicle she was traveling in rolled into a ditch.
The accident occurred along the Eldama Ravine-Nakuru Highway on Monday, September 9.
The front part of the vehicle including the windshield was heavily damaged indicating the impact of the crash.
Latest data from the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) details that road accidents across the country have claimed at least 3,056 lives between January 1 and August 27, 2024, an increase of 146 deaths compared to the 2,910 recorded in the same period in 2023.
Since the year started 7,114 Kenyans have been involved in road accidents, marking an increase of 703 compared to last year, 3674 were seriously injured and 585 suffered from minor injuries.
Pedestrians have recorded the highest number of deaths in road accidents since the start of the year, according to the Authority.
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