NTSA Reveals Possible Cause of Deadly Mombasa Road Accident That Killed 22 People

The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has revealed that improper overtaking may have contributed to a tragic road accident that claimed 22 lives along the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway near Mtito Andei.

The accident occurred on Sunday, October 25, in the Kanga area, involving a church bus belonging to The Power of the Word Church International and a lorry. Sixteen other passengers sustained injuries and were taken to hospital for treatment.

According to preliminary reports, the bus driver may have been attempting to overtake another vehicle when the bus collided head-on with the oncoming lorry. The manoeuvre could have placed the bus directly in the path of the approaching truck, leaving insufficient room to avoid the crash.

Initial reports indicated that 20 people died at the scene, while two others later succumbed to their injuries in hospital. The injured passengers were transported to Makindu Sub-County Hospital and Mtito Andei Hospital.

The bus was reportedly heading towards Mombasa with passengers returning from a burial ceremony when the accident happened at approximately 7am.

In a statement released on Sunday, NTSA confirmed the incident and said its investigators were working alongside the police to establish the circumstances that led to the collision.

The authority cautioned that the suspected overtaking manoeuvre remained a preliminary finding, noting that investigations were still ongoing. Investigators are expected to examine how the vehicles approached each other and whether the bus driver had sufficient visibility and space to overtake safely.

The tragedy has renewed concerns about road safety along the busy Nairobi-Mombasa Highway, where motorists share the road with heavy commercial vehicles.

NTSA has urged drivers to exercise caution, avoid risky overtaking and ensure the road ahead is clear before passing other vehicles.

The authority also conveyed condolences to the families who lost their loved ones and wished the injured passengers a quick recovery as investigations continue.

22 Reported Dead After Bus and Lorry Collide Along Nairobi-Mombasa Highway