Five die following lorry accident along Karatina-Sagana highway

The accident at Kibirigwi, Kirinyaga county where 5 people have died and scores of others rushed to the hospital. [Timothy Kariuki, Standard]

Five people have died, while others are seriously injured after a lorry that was transporting maize lost control and rammed into two other vehicles at Kibirigwi town along the Karatina-Sagana-Nairobi highway.

While confirming the incident, Kirinyaga West subcounty police commander Moses Koskei said the lorry, which was transporting maize, lost control and hit two private cars that we're heading toward Karatina.

Eyewitnesses said the lorry came from the Karatina direction and was descending the sharp Kangoco Hill when its brakes reportedly failed. The driver's attempts to caution other motorists by using flashing lights and hooting were futile.

Koskei said the police are investigating the actual cause of the accident and urged motorists to drive carefully.

The injured were rushed to nearby hospitals while the bodies of the deceased were taken to Kerugoya level five hospital mortuary.

Transport has been disrupted as maize grains and gunny bags are scattered on the highway.