The National Transportation and Safety Authority (NTSA) has given details of the Nakuru Eldoret Highway crash which occurred on Tuesday, January 9.
In a statement, the Authority revealed that the collision was a result of dangerous overtaking by the Classic Kings of Congo bus driver.
“Preliminary crash analysis indicates that the incident is attributed to lane indiscipline and dangerous overtaking on the part of the Bus driver leading to a head on collision with the Northways Sacco matatu,” confirmed NTSA.
NTSA further said the bus driver escaped after the accident adding that investigations are ongoing to establish the cause of the crash.
“The driver of the bus is currently at large, and all efforts are ongoing to apprehend him. An investigation has commenced to establish the full circumstances leading to this crash to inform prosecution and recommendations,” added the Authority.
The Authority confirmed that 15 passengers died while others are receiving treatment in hospital.
“Early this morning, at about 2.45am, a fatal crash involving a matatu belonging to Northways Services Sacco Ltd and a foreign bus belonging to Classic Kings of Congo Occurred at the Twin Bridge Area along the Nakuru Eldoret highway,” said NTSA.
Besides, the Authority condoled with the families of the bereaved and wished those injured quick recovery.
Additionally, it urged all motorists to be extra cautious while on the road, especially now, as children go back to school.
“The ongoing multi agency operation will be intensified, and necessary actions will be taken against those flouting traffic rules,” added the Authority.
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NTSA Road Safety Status 2023
Also, NTSA shared road safety status as of December 31, 2023.
In the report, 2,080 fatalities were recorded in 2023/2024 as compared to 2,378 registered during the same period in the previous year.
In addition, 10,115 serious and slight injuries were reported in the 2023/2024 financial year compared to 8,604 in the 2022/2023 year.
“There is a decrease of 12.53% in absolute deaths in this financial year as compared to same period last financial year (2022/2023),” said NTSA.
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Pedestrians recorded the highest number of deaths, 788 followed by motorcyclists, 55 and passengers, 324.
“The highest number of road fatalities is pedestrian deaths at 37.88%. In the same period last year, this category of road users’ contribution was 35.62%,” added the Authority.
Besides, other categories of causalities included pillion passengers (190), drivers (184) and pedal cyclists (39).
In 2022/2023, pedestrians and motor cyclists recorded the highest number of fatalities with 847 and 631 respectively.
Similarly, this was followed by passengers (446), pillion passengers (216), drivers (211) and pedal cyclist (27).
