Seven perish in Nakuru-Eldoret highway accident

Wreckage of the matatu that was involved is a road accident at Kahoya, along Nakuru-Eldoret highway. (Photo:Kipsang Joseph/Standard)

Seven people died Sunday afternoon after the matatu they were traveling in was involved in an accident along Nakuru-Eldoret highway.

Five people, among them three children, died on the spot while two others succumbed to injuries at Timboroa local hospital.

A canter lorry headed to Eldoret rammed into a 14-seater matatu and a Toyota Prado both headed towards Nakuru town at Kahoya area between Timboroa and Boito area along the busy highway.

Scores of survivors were rushed to Eldama Ravine District Hospital using police vehicles.

The matatu, which had the right side smashed and its parts strewn in the middle of the road was ascending a climbing lane when the accident occurred at around 2pm.

A witness, John Chepkwony said the lorry was trying to overtake several trucks headed towards Eldoret. The Lorry's driver and the conductor escaped from the scene of the accident immediately and it was not clear if they reported to any police station.

The wreckages were later towed to Timboroa police station as police launched a manhunt for the lorry driver and his turn-boy.

The accident caused a traffic snarl-up, which lasted for more than four hours, along the busy highway.

According to the locals, the area is accident-prone as five members of the same family perished at the same section last year.

"We are not sure on the figure of those who died in hospital but it's true some of the victims failed to manage. That will be confirmed later by the OCPD," said a police officer who could not be named because he is not authorised to speak to the media. Eldama Ravine OCPD Bernard Kibe did not answer our calls.

Residents have now threatened to block the road to force the Government to address their grievances, saying many people have lost their lives at the same spot.