Mtito Andei crash: 22 dead after bus and lorry collide head-on

Twenty-two people died on Sunday morning when a bus and a lorry collided head-on on the Nairobi-Mombasa highway at Kanga, past Mtito Andei.

The crash happened at about 7am, according to officials. Traffic on the busy road came to a standstill as travellers and passersby gathered at the scene.

Makueni County Commissioner Abdullahi Khalif first reported 20 deaths. The toll rose to 22 after two more victims died from their injuries. Some passengers died at the scene, while others died as medics treated them at Mtito Andei Sub-County Hospital.

The hospital’s Medical Superintendent, Dr Kevin Wamalwa, said emergency teams began attending to victims shortly before 8am. The bodies were taken to the hospital mortuary. Reports say 16 survivors were treated at Mtito Andei and Makindu sub-county hospitals.

Media reports say the bus belonged to The Power of the Word Church International and was carrying passengers from a burial ceremony. This detail has not been confirmed by the church or the police.

The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) said improper overtaking may have contributed to the crash. One report said the bus lost control while trying to overtake a line of vehicles, skidded and hit the oncoming lorry. Police had not announced an official cause at the time of reporting.

Former Deputy President and DCP party leader Rigathi Gachagua sent his condolences to the bereaved families and wished the injured a quick recovery. He also urged road users to be extra careful during the current rainy season. He asked the authorities responsible for road safety to take steps to protect motorists and passengers.

The crash comes less than a month after another deadly accident on the same highway. On October 3, 17 pilgrims died in a collision involving several vehicles. Two family members also died near Mtito Andei on Friday night when their car hit a trailer.

The Motorists Association of Kenya has called on the government to separate trucks from buses on the highway and finish the long-delayed dualling of the 461-kilometre road. It also wants freight moved to the Standard Gauge Railway, which runs alongside the road.

Source:https://x.com/tv47digital/status/2114337310686982149

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