At least six people died in a three-vehicle crash on the Nakuru-Eldoret Highway in Uasin Gishu County, The Star reported. The accident happened at around midnight on Saturday in the Koriomat area. It involved a Mercedes-Benz Actros truck, a Toyota Hiace matatu owned by North Rift Sacco and a Toyota Succeed.
Police said the truck was travelling from Nakuru towards Eldoret. Its driver reportedly swerved to the right to avoid another vehicle ahead. The truck then hit the Toyota Succeed and crashed into the matatu, which was carrying 10 passengers. The impact pushed both the matatu and the car into a ditch on the right side of the highway.
According to police, the matatu driver, Shabaan Hassan Wanga, and five female passengers died on the spot. Other passengers were injured and taken to several hospitals in Uasin Gishu County. Police have not yet said how many people were hurt or named the other victims.
The six bodies were taken to the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) mortuary for postmortem examinations. Police officers visited the scene and opened investigations. Efforts were under way to tow the wreckage to Burnt Forest Police Station for inspection.
The Star said fatal crashes are rising despite efforts to curb them. Officials say some accidents are avoidable and caused by human error. They list reckless overtaking, speeding and drunk driving as leading causes. These continue to claim lives even with road safety campaigns by the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA).
Officials also blame mechanical failures in poorly maintained vehicles, such as worn tyres and faulty brakes. Poor road conditions add to the danger, the paper reported. These include potholes, confusing signs and poor lighting, especially at night.