National Transport and Safety Authority says Meru accident that claimed nine lives was caused by reckless driving

Wreckage of the matatu that collided head on with a lorry along Nkubu-Meru road Thursday. Nine people died and several others were wounded. [PHOTO:PATRICK MUTHURI/STANDARD]

Meru, Kenya: The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has said the fatal road crash that occurred at Ng'onyi along Nkubu-Meru road claiming nine lives, was occasioned by dangerous and careless overtaking.

NTSA Director General Francis Meja said the Thursday accident that occurred at 9.30am involving a lorry and a Public Service Vehicle Matatu, was occasioned by the driver of the lorry.

He said the matatu registered under the Meru Nissan Sacco, operates on Nairobi-Embu-Meru-Maua route.

"The driver of the said lorry drove on the extreme right-hand side hence causing the crash and he will be arraigned in court and be charged with the appropriate sections of the law," he said.

The road crash claimed nine lives including the PSV driver. Other fourteen passengers were injured and were still admitted at Meru Level Five General Hospital.

Meja said NTSA officers on the ground visited the crash scene and casualties at the hospital and further carried out inspection of the two vehicles.

"We are awaiting the data analysis of the two vehicles to ascertain their compliance and thereafter take appropriate actions. The authority is on high alert over preventable road crashes and we are conducting day and night operations on road safety to bring sanity on our roads and save lives of innocent citizens," he added.