NAIROBI, Nov 6 (NNN-KBC) — At least eight people died on the spot after a matatu and trailer collided on the Nakuru-Eldoret highway Monday morning.
The 3 a.m. incident involved a 14-seater matatu which was heading to Nakuru, and a truck that was heading towards the Eldoret direction.
Rift Valley regional police commander Samuel Ndanyi said the accident occurred at the Ngata stretch and those injured were rushed to the Nakuru level 6 hospital.
It took close to an hour to separate the two vehicles.
The matatu`s driver is among those who died with Police and witnesses expressing fears that the death toll is likely to rise.
The driver of the truck is said to have fled after the accident and police have launched a manhunt in the hope of arresting the driver.
The accident occurred in the wake of safety campaigns in the region following the ongoing torrential rains and upcoming festivities.
The Ministry of Transport is also upgrading the usually busy Ngata, Salgaa, Mau Summit Rironi road to dual carriage to minimize carnage.
According to the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), 2,124 people died in road accidents from January to June 25, 2023. — NNN-KBC