NTSA Reveals Suspected Cause of Mtito Andei Crash That Killed 22: “Improper Overtaking”

The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has identified improper overtaking as a possible cause of the deadly road accident at Kanga, near Mtito Andei, along the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway, which claimed 22 lives on Sunday, October 25, 2026.

According to NTSA, the crash involved a passenger service vehicle and a commercial truck that collided head-on. The authority said preliminary findings suggest that improper overtaking may have contributed to the fatal collision, although investigations are still underway.

The accident occurred at approximately 7am, involving a church bus belonging to The Power of the Word Church International and a lorry. The bus was reportedly carrying passengers returning from a burial ceremony when the collision happened.

Makueni County Commissioner Abdullahi Khalif said the bus was carrying 45 passengers and that the driver attempted to overtake several vehicles before colliding with the truck. The impact was severe, leaving a significant portion of the bus damaged.

Initial reports indicated that 20 people died at the scene. However, the death toll later rose to 22 after two more victims succumbed to their injuries while receiving medical attention.

Other passengers sustained injuries and were taken to nearby health facilities, including Mtito Andei Sub-County Hospital and Makindu Sub-County Hospital, for treatment.

The identities of all the deceased and detailed information about the condition of individual survivors had not been fully released in the initial reports.

NTSA said its crash investigation team was working alongside police officers to establish the circumstances that led to the fatal collision.

The authority emphasised that improper overtaking was a suspected contributing factor, not a confirmed final finding. Investigators are expected to establish the sequence of events before the two vehicles collided.

NTSA also expressed condolences to the families and friends of those who died and wished the injured passengers a speedy recovery.

The tragedy has renewed concerns about road safety along the busy Nairobi-Mombasa Highway, which serves passenger buses, private motorists and heavy commercial vehicles travelling between Nairobi and the Coast.

The crash occurred only weeks after another fatal accident at Salama on October 3, 2026, claimed the lives of 17 pilgrims travelling from Mikindani to the National Shrine in Subukia.

Motorists are routinely urged to avoid dangerous overtaking, observe speed limits and ensure the road ahead is clear before attempting to pass other vehicles.

Rawdesk feedback-opera-news-app@opera.com