Angela Normino
Ten people lost their lives in a tragic multi-vehicle accident at Salama on the Mombasa-Nairobi highway on Monday night.
The collision involved an 18-seater matatu from Spannish Sacco, a 14-seater matatu from NAEKANA Sacco, two trucks, and a saloon car as they passed through the notorious black spot of Mlima Kiu around 8:30 pm, according to Mukaa Sub-County Police Commander Barnabas Ng’eno.
The incident was caused by a driver in motor vehicle registration number KBC 564M Isuzu FSR veering out of his lane and making a sudden right turn without caution, leading to a head-on crash with motor vehicle registration number KDK 259U Toyota Hiace matatu from Spanish Sacco. This initial impact set off a chain reaction involving the other vehicles.
As a result of the collision, 10 passengers across the vehicles are feared dead, while others sustained serious injuries and have been taken to Sultan Hamud Hospital, Mr. Ng’eno reported.
Nairobi’s highways have long been known for their high incidence of accidents, with several factors contributing to this trend. One major reason is the heavy traffic congestion often experienced on these roads, leading to increased chances of collisions and pile-ups. The combination of high vehicle volumes, varying speeds, and driver impatience can create a dangerous mix that results in accidents.
Another factor is the poor state of road infrastructure, including inadequate lighting, signage, and road markings. These deficiencies can make it challenging for drivers to navigate the highways safely, especially during adverse weather conditions or at night.
Additionally, reckless driving behaviors such as speeding, overtaking in unsafe conditions, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs are prevalent on Nairobi’s highways. These behaviors significantly increase the likelihood of accidents occurring.
Furthermore, the presence of notorious black spots along the highways, like Mlima Kiu area mentioned in recent incidents, poses a significant risk to road users. These areas may have poor visibility, sharp curves, or other hazards that make them prone to accidents.
Authorities are urged to address these issues through improved road maintenance, enhanced traffic enforcement, public awareness campaigns on safe driving practices, and the implementation of measures to reduce congestion and enhance road safety on Nairobi’s highways.
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