A Mercedes-Benz burst into flames following a horrific crash along the Ole Sereni section of the Nairobi Expressway on Sunday, May 31.
CCTV footage captured the dramatic moment the vehicle lost control, veered from the fast lane, crashed into a guardrail and a concrete pillar, before erupting into flames.
Authorities had not immediately confirmed how many people were inside the vehicle at the time of the accident or whether there were any survivors.
Mercedes-Benz bursts into flames after crash on Nairobi Expressway. Photo: Courtesy.
The footage also showed a second vehicle that had been travelling closely behind the Mercedes-Benz.
After the collision, the driver briefly lost control and swerved into a merging lane before regaining control and continuing the journey.
A closer analysis of the CCTV footage suggested that the Mercedes-Benz was struck from behind while attempting to change lanes.
Moments before the crash, the Mercedes-Benz was travelling in the fast lane as another vehicle approached at a considerably higher speed.
The driver of the trailing vehicle appeared to flash their headlights, a common signal used to alert slower motorists ahead to give way.
However, as the Mercedes-Benz driver attempted to move aside, the speeding vehicle collided with it from the rear, causing it to spin out of control before crashing into roadside barriers and a concrete pillar, triggering the fire.
The incident led to heavy traffic congestion along the expressway, with some motorists slowing down to observe the scene while others stopped to assist those involved.
The crash has since sparked debate among Kenyans, with many divided over who should bear responsibility.
Some argued that the driver of the second vehicle was at fault, questioning whether they were exceeding the Nairobi Expressway’s maximum speed limit of 100 km/h.
Others, however, maintained that the Mercedes-Benz driver should have yielded earlier, arguing that motorists travelling at slower speeds should avoid remaining in the fast lane for extended periods.
