A chilling CCTV video has captured the movie-like moment a matatu collided head-on with a trailer along the Nakuru-Nairobi highway, killing 13 people instantly.
The footage, taken from a nearby premises, shows traffic moving normally on the busy A104 before tragedy struck shortly after midday.
The matatu is seen driving on the right side of the road, apparently overtaking another vehicle.
As the matatu attempts to pass, the SUV on its left speeds up, seemingly to allow it space to return to its lane before an oncoming trailer closes in.
However, the matatu fails to move back in time, leading to a devastating collision.
In a split second, the impact sends up a cloud of dust as the matatu is crushed and shoved to the roadside.
Another vehicle trailing behind swerves to avoid the wreckage. Moments later, bystanders rush toward the scene as the recording cuts off.
The tragic video surfaced as families and friends of the victims struggle to come to terms with the sudden loss.
Nakuru County Police Commander Emmanuel Opuru confirmed that the 14-seater vehicle, hired in Nairobi for a family function, was headed to Nakuru when it rammed into the trailer.
“The matatu was overtaking and then it rammed into the trailer, causing 13 fatalities and leaving three others seriously injured,” Opuru told reporters.
He added that the bodies were taken to Gilgil Sub-County Mortuary, while the injured, including two children, were rushed to Gilgil Hospital for emergency treatment.
Preliminary reports indicate the matatu operates from Thika, and investigators are probing whether the newly paved stretch of highway played a role in the crash.
“The matatu was heading towards Nakuru, while the trailer was travelling in the opposite direction. We are unsure what caused the accident and investigations have commenced,” Opuru said.
Authorities have since launched a full probe into the deadly accident.