Nine killed, scores injured in Gilgil dawn road accident

Nine people were killed and six injured in an accident at Gilgil on the Nairobi-Nakuru highway early Friday morning.

The nine died on the spot when the matatu collided headon with a truck near St. Mary’s Hospital.

According to the police, the Public Service Vehicle (PSV) was ferrying passengers to Nairobi when the accident occurred at around 5am.

The lorry was headed in the opposite direction.

Police said the lorry driver was overtaking another driver before hitting the matatu.

Gilgil sub-county police commander John Onditi said, “Eight people died on the spot, while one who was in a critical state died while undergoing treatment.”

The injured passengers are receiving treatment at St Joseph’s and St Mary's Mission hospitals.

Onditi said investigations have been launched to establish the cause of the accident.

According to coronavirus regulations, a 14-seater matatu should carry eight passengers.

"We are expecting management to record a statement with the police, to explain why they defied Covid-19 regulations," said Onditi.