NTSA reveals cause of Nakuru accident that killed 15 people

By Peter Ochieng

The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has revealed the cause of an accident at the Twin Bridge area along the Nakuru-Eldoret highway.

As earlier reported by Nairobi Review, the accident which occurred at 2.45am on Tuesday morning, led to death of 15 people, while 7 others were left with various injuries.

According to the National Police Service (NPS), the accident involved a Classic Kings of Congo bus and North Ways Shuttle matatu.

The two vehicles were involved in a head-on-collision. After preliminary assessment, NTSA director general George Njao says lane indiscipline and dangerous overtaking had a hand in the accident.

"Preliminary crash analysis indicates that the incident is attributed to lane indiscipline and dangerous overtaking on the part of the bus driver leading to a head-on collision with the Northways Sacco matatu," said Njao. He said the bus driver is still at large, after escaping from the scene of the accident.

"The driver of the bus is currently at large and all efforts are ongoing to apprehend him. An investigation has commenced to establish the full circumstances leading to this crash to inform prosecution and recommendations."

Police confirmed that all occupants of the matatu died, while 38 people - mainly bus occupants escaped unhurt.

On Monday, NTSA road safety Manager Samuel Musumba urged motorists to exercise caution on roads as schools reopen for the first term of 2024.

“We wish to caution all drivers to be very careful during this period. We ask drivers to avoid speeding to make more trips, it’s dangerous," he said.

He added, "To this end, we urge all motorists to be extra cautious while on the road especially now as children go back to school. The ongoing multiagency operation will be intensified and necessary action will be taken against those flouting traffic rules."

Over 20 people are reported to have died along the Nakuru-Eldoret highway, this month alone.