The deadly crash involved a 43-seater matatu ferrying passengers from Nairobi to Kathiani constituency and a trailer travelling in the opposite direction.
Authorities said the accident occurred shortly after sunrise, throwing the area into confusion as residents and motorists rushed to rescue survivors.
Authorities said the accident occurred shortly after sunrise, throwing the area into confusion as residents and motorists rushed to rescue survivors.
Images from the scene showed the wreckage of the matatu badly mangled, with personal belongings scattered across the road.
Athi River North OCPD Anderson Mbai confirmed the fatalities, revealing that the driver of the matatu was among those who died on the spot.
Athi River North OCPD Anderson Mbai confirmed the fatalities, revealing that the driver of the matatu was among those who died on the spot.
According to the police boss, the impact of the collision was severe, leaving no chance of survival for the three who succumbed immediately.
Mbai also reported that 37 people sustained injuries. These included passengers aboard the matatu as well as individuals on the trailer.
Mbai also reported that 37 people sustained injuries. These included passengers aboard the matatu as well as individuals on the trailer.
Emergency responders and members of the public helped move the injured to Machakos Level 5 Hospital for treatment.
Hospital officials indicated that the victims were being treated for varying degrees of injuries, ranging from minor cuts to serious fractures.
Eyewitness Accounts
Residents who witnessed the crash described a horrifying scene. Some reported that the matatu appeared to be attempting an overtaking manoeuvre before it collided head-on with the trailer.
Eyewitness Accounts
Residents who witnessed the crash described a horrifying scene. Some reported that the matatu appeared to be attempting an overtaking manoeuvre before it collided head-on with the trailer.
Others said the trailer had swerved unexpectedly, making it difficult for the matatu driver to avoid the impact.
Local boda boda operators and passersby were the first to arrive at the scene, where they found injured passengers trapped inside the matatu.
Local boda boda operators and passersby were the first to arrive at the scene, where they found injured passengers trapped inside the matatu.
Many used improvised tools in frantic attempts to free those pinned between the seats. Their quick response helped save several lives before ambulances and police units arrived.
The accident caused a major traffic snarl-up along the Nairobi–Mombasa Highway, with police temporarily diverting vehicles to ease congestion.
The accident caused a major traffic snarl-up along the Nairobi–Mombasa Highway, with police temporarily diverting vehicles to ease congestion.
Kyumbi junction, known as one of the busiest and most accident-prone sections of the road, has been the site of numerous crashes over the years.
Transport stakeholders in Machakos have once again raised concerns over the safety of public service vehicles using the highway.
Transport stakeholders in Machakos have once again raised concerns over the safety of public service vehicles using the highway.
Several residents noted that matatus operating along the route often overspeed as they compete for passengers. Others blamed recklessness and fatigue among long-distance trailer drivers.
Sunday’s accident has renewed calls for stricter road enforcement and continuous safety campaigns, especially ahead of the festive season when traffic volumes increase significantly.
Police have launched investigations to determine the exact cause of the crash. OCPD Mbai said officers will interview survivors, review eyewitness testimonies, and assess the wreckages once they are secured at the station.
“We urge motorists to exercise maximum caution on this road,” Mbai said.
Sunday’s accident has renewed calls for stricter road enforcement and continuous safety campaigns, especially ahead of the festive season when traffic volumes increase significantly.
Police have launched investigations to determine the exact cause of the crash. OCPD Mbai said officers will interview survivors, review eyewitness testimonies, and assess the wreckages once they are secured at the station.
“We urge motorists to exercise maximum caution on this road,” Mbai said.
“We have unfortunately lost lives, and we must prevent similar tragedies.”
Officials from the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) are also expected to conduct an independent assessment.
Officials from the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) are also expected to conduct an independent assessment.
Preliminary findings will guide next steps, which may include possible charges against the trailer driver if negligence is established.
Community Reaction
Residents of Kyumbi expressed sadness and frustration over the recurring accidents in the area. Many urged the government to install more road signs, proper lighting, and speed-calming measures to reduce fatalities.
Local leaders also offered condolences to the affected families and called for improved emergency response times, noting that the number of injured could have been lower with faster rescue efforts.
Community Reaction
Residents of Kyumbi expressed sadness and frustration over the recurring accidents in the area. Many urged the government to install more road signs, proper lighting, and speed-calming measures to reduce fatalities.
Local leaders also offered condolences to the affected families and called for improved emergency response times, noting that the number of injured could have been lower with faster rescue efforts.
