At least 13 people were confirmed dead and 11 others seriously injured following a tragic road accident at Cheptangulgei in Sotik, Bomet County.
The accident occurred on Saturday afternoon after three vehicles, a personal car, a 14-seater matatu and a truck, collided with each other, killing several passengers on the spot.
Reports indicate that several passengers died on the spot while emergency services rushed to the scene to assist the injured.
13 killed and 11 others injured in a tragic road accident at Cheptangulgei in Sotik, Bomet County. Photo: Courtesy.
Confirming the accident, Bomet Governor Hillary Barchok noted that those injured had been rushed to nearby hospitals, including the Kaplong Mission Hospital.
“Deeply saddened to learn of a grisly road accident that has happened on the Sotik- Kericho Highway at Cheptangulke, Sotik Sub County. The 3-car accident has led to some fatalities and some serious injuries. Rescue teams from Kaplong Mission Hospital, the County Government of Bomet, the County Government of Kericho, the Kenya Red Cross and the Kenya Police have evacuated the injured to nearby hospitals to receive urgent medical attention,” Barchok announced.
Videos and images shared on social media showed the matatu extensively damaged with a shattered windscreen, broken seats and windows and deflated tyres, depicting the extent of the accident.
Taking to social media, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula conveyed his condolences, urging caution on the roads during the Easter season.
“I am deeply saddened by the tragic loss of 13 lives following a grisly road accident at Cheptangulgei along the Kaplong–Kericho road, involving a matatu and a salon car. I wish a swift recovery to the survivors currently receiving treatment. As we observe this Easter season, a time of reflection, renewal, and hope, I urge all road users to exercise utmost caution and responsibility. Our roads are not just pathways to destinations; they are shared spaces that demand care, patience, and above all, respect for life. May the souls of the departed rest in eternal peace, and may their loved ones find comfort and strength during this profoundly difficult time,” he said.
This accident comes a few weeks after 13 people were confirmed dead following a tragic road accident at Migaa black spot along the Nakuru-Eldoret Highway.
The accident occurred on Friday, March 14 at around 2AM and involved a matatu and a trailer ferrying coffee seeds.
Reports indicate that the trailer, which was heading to Eldoret experienced brake failure, lost control, and rammed into the matatu trapping the passengers on board.
