13 Dead, 11 Injured in Tragic Kericho-Kaplong Road Crash Involving Matatu, Lorry and Mazda
A tragic road accident along the busy Kericho-Kaplong highway in Bomet County has claimed the lives of at least 13 people and left 11 others seriously injured, authorities confirmed on Saturday, April 5.
According to police spokesperson Michael Muchiri, the accident occurred at around 3:30 PM and involved a lorry, a matatu, and a Mazda vehicle. The collision is believed to have happened near a sharp bend, a known black spot that has witnessed previous accidents.
The matatu, reportedly carrying passengers from Kericho to Kaplong, was extensively damaged, with witnesses saying it appeared to have been sandwiched between the heavy lorry and the private Mazda vehicle. Eyewitnesses described a horrific scene of twisted metal, shattered glass, and cries for help from survivors trapped inside the wreckage.
Emergency Response and Hospitalization
Emergency response teams rushed to the scene, and with the help of local residents, began rescuing survivors. The injured were taken to Kaplong and Kapkatet hospitals, where they are currently receiving treatment.
Hospital sources confirmed that most of the victims sustained severe injuries, including fractures, head trauma, and internal bleeding. Doctors are working around the clock to stabilize the survivors.
Police Investigations Underway
Police officers from the Bomet Traffic Department were dispatched to the scene to manage traffic, process the crash site, and remove the wreckage from the road.
“The exact cause of the accident is still under investigation, but we suspect overspeeding and possible brake failure,” said a police officer at the scene. The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has also launched an independent probe.
Calls for Road Safety Measures
Following the accident, residents and leaders have renewed calls for better road safety enforcement and signage along the Kericho-Kaplong road, which they say has become increasingly dangerous due to rising traffic and reckless driving.
“We have lost too many lives here. We need speed bumps, road signs, and more police patrols to prevent such tragedies,” said a local elder.
This latest accident adds to the growing list of road fatalities in Kenya, where poor road conditions, driver negligence, and inadequate enforcement of traffic laws continue to endanger lives daily.
In other news: Nakuru Tragedy: Boda Boda Rider Poisons Sons, Attempts Suicide in Shocking Incident
13 Dead, 11 Injured in Tragic Kericho-Kaplong Road Crash Involving Matatu, Lorry and Mazda