Several people have died and several others sustained serious injuries in a tragic road accident involving a matatu and a trailer along the Eldoret–Webuye highway.
The crash occurred on Tuesday night, December 23, in Lugari, Kakamega County, shocking the local community and raising renewed concerns over nighttime road safety along the busy highway.
According to reports, the accident happened near Mukhonje trading centre when a 14-seater matatu travelling from Eldoret reportedly lost control at high speed and collided with the rear of a stationary trailer transporting fertiliser.
Deadly Road Accident on Eldoret–Webuye Highway Leaves several dead. Photo: Courtesy.
Preliminary information indicates that the trailer had been parked on the roadside after experiencing mechanical problems.
Western Regional Police Commander Issa Mohamud confirmed that seven passengers died at the scene, while another succumbed to injuries en route to the hospital.
Seven other passengers sustained serious injuries and were rushed to nearby medical facilities for treatment.
Witnesses noted that the matatu veered off its lane while the driver attempted to overtake other vehicles, ultimately crashing into the stationary truck.
The collision left the matatu extensively damaged, with shattered windows, broken seats, a destroyed windscreen, and deflated tyres.
Following the accident, the trailer driver reportedly fled the scene, prompting police to launch a manhunt.
Videos and photographs circulating on social media highlighted the severity of the wreckage, sparking public concern over the dangers posed by stalled heavy vehicles on major highways.
