Lorry rams into matatu killing 12 on the spot

By PETER ATSIAYA

Twelve people including a pregnant woman have died in a grisly road accident on the Eldoret-Iten road when a lorry rammed into a 14-seater matatu.

The lorry was heading to Eldoret town while the matatu was travelling to Iten.

The accidents that left residents in a state of mourning occurred at Quarry centre about 20 kilometres from Eldoret town.

Among those who lost their lives during the 4 pm accident included six men, three children and three women.

Sombre moment

It was a sombre moment as shocked villagers gathered at the scene and watched as police with the help of those who had rushed to the scene picked parts of bodies that were strewed on the road.

Scene of the accident where 12 died on the spot after a lorry rammed into a matatu along Iten-Eldoret road.

The lorry that caused the accident landed on its side besides the road.

Two children and the matatu conductor were the only people who survived from the matatu. The lorry driver and his conductor escaped with injuries and were rushed to Moi Referral Hospital by Red Cross personnel.

High speed

According to Albert Kiptanui who witnessed the accident, the lorry that was in a high speed rammed into the matatu.

"The lorry driver was following two other lorries from behind at high speed. He lost control of the lorry and crossed to the side of the matatu where he rammed into it head on," said Mr Kiptanui.

He added: "I suspect the breaks of the lorry might have failed before he crashed into the matatu".

Eldoret OCPD John Katumo said police have launched investigations into the accident he termed as horror.