A tragic road accident along the busy Nairobi–Mombasa highway claimed seven lives on Sunday morning after a matatu collided head-on with a truck at Miasenyi in Taita-Taveta County. The incident occurred at dawn, bringing traffic along the major transport corridor to a standstill as emergency responders rushed to the scene.
According to eyewitness accounts, the matatu operated by the Kinatwa Sacco was travelling toward Mombasa and was reportedly overtaking a line of vehicles when it crashed into an oncoming truck. The impact of the collision killed all seven victims instantly, including the matatu driver.
Authorities confirmed that the bodies of the deceased have been transported to the Moi County Referral Hospital in Voi, where they have been preserved at the facility’s morgue. Several passengers who sustained injuries during the accident were also taken to the same hospital and are receiving medical attention.
Police have launched an investigation to determine the precise circumstances leading to the collision, including whether speeding, reckless overtaking, or road conditions played a role.
Transport officials are urging motorists to exercise heightened caution, particularly as traffic volumes rise during the Christmas holiday season. The period is historically associated with increased road travel and, consequently, elevated accident risks.
The tragic crash once again highlights the need for strict adherence to road safety regulations and responsible driving behavior along one of Kenya’s busiest highways.
