At least three people died on the spot while ten others were injured in a road accident at Lwandeti in Lugari Sub-County on Saturday evening, June 27.
The crash occurred after a speeding trailer transporting logs reportedly lost control near Chimoi Bridge along the Webuye-Eldoret Highway.
According to eyewitnesses, the trailer was attempting to overtake a smaller vehicle at a speed bump when the driver lost control.
Trailer carrying logs overturns onto matatu. Photo: Courtesy.
The vehicle veered off the road and overturned onto a North Rift passenger service vehicle (PSV) that was travelling from Nairobi.
The trailer crushed the matatu, killing three occupants instantly and leaving several others with injuries.
Photos from the scene showed the trailer lying on top of the extensively damaged PSV as emergency responders and members of the public rushed to rescue survivors.
Residents blamed the accident on the narrow design of the highway, saying the limited road space makes it difficult for vehicles, especially heavy trucks, to pass safely.
They also faulted the placement of guardrails, arguing that they further reduce the usable width of the road.
The residents called on the national government to expand the highway, describing the stretch as a notorious black spot that has witnessed numerous accidents involving heavy commercial vehicles.
They also accused law enforcement officers of disrupting rescue efforts after allegedly firing teargas at the scene, claiming the resulting confusion hampered attempts to save some of the victims.
