A devastating road accident claimed 13 lives and left three others seriously injured on Sunday afternoon along the busy Nakuru–Nairobi highway near Kikopey, Gilgil.
According to Nakuru County Police Commander Emmanuel Opuru, the accident occurred when a 14-seater matatu collided head-on with a semi-trailer truck.
“Preliminary investigations show the matatu was overtaking another vehicle when it rammed into the oncoming trailer. Thirteen passengers died on the spot, and three were seriously injured,” said Opuru.
Emergency responders rushed the injured, including two children, to Gilgil Sub-County Hospital for treatment. The bodies of the victims were taken to Gilgil Sub-County Mortuary.
Police report that the passengers had hired the matatu from Nairobi and were on their way to attend a family function in Nakuru.
Authorities have launched a full investigation to establish the exact cause of the crash. Road safety experts have again urged drivers to exercise caution and patience on highways, citing the rising number of deadly accidents along the Nakuru–Nairobi corridor, which is considered one of the most dangerous roads in Kenya.
