Six killed in early morning accident in Mariakani

The ill-fated matatu that was involved in an accident along Mombasa- Nairobi Highway. (Maarufu Mohammed)

Six people died in a road accident at Mariakani in Kilifi County yesterday morning.

Kaloleni OCPD, Kennedy Onsando said the accident which occurred at around 6am involved a passenger service vehicle which was travelling to Wundanyi from Mombasa and a truck belonging to Deep Water Drilling Company Limited.

Police said the dead children were aged between two and four. A manhunt has been launched for the truck driver who escaped from the scene of the accident adjacent to the Mariakani Law Courts. “There was a clear case of miscalculation by the truck driver who was driving to Mombasa as he joined the opposite lane where the matatu was, ramming it on one side,” Mr Onsando said.

Intensify patrols

He said a woman and three children died instantly while another woman and a child died while undergoing treatment at the Mariakani Sub county hospital. Bodies of the deceased were taken to Coast Provincial General Hospital mortuary (CPGH) while two passengers who were injured were admitted to the same hospital. “Those who suffered minor injuries were treated at the Mariakani Sub County Hospital and CPGH and later discharged,” Onsando said.

The wreckage of the matatu and the truck were towed to Mariakani Police Station.

Romald Lagho, the driver of the matatu said that he left Mombasa at 5am and was headed for Wundanyi when the accident occured.

“The truck appeared to have entered our lane and rammed the matatu. The vehicle almost rolled but I managed to control it. It is unfortunate that some people died,” he said.

The police boss said the Highway Patrol Unit will intensify patrols to prevent road accidents.

“We are intensifying patrols on this key highway which is a major transport corridor for all imports and exports through the Port of Mombasa. There are always heavy vehicles hence the need for a more coordinated traffic police patrol here,” Onsando said.