Seven people die in road accident

By PATRICK MUTHURI

Seven people died on Wednesday night after a matatu they were travelling in rammed into a lorry at Ruiri on the Meru-Maua road.

Five died on the spot and two other passengers succumbed to injuries while undergoing treatment at the Meru Level Five Hospital.

Seven others were seriously injured in the 12.30am accident and were rushed to the same hospital for treatment.

The two drivers were among the dead while the lorry conductor was found this morning in a nearby bush with minor injuries.

The injured had multiple fractures on the legs and hands.

Mouline Otieno, one of the survivors admitted in hospital, could not remember what happened.

“I only found myself on a hospital bed, I think I was asleep,” she said.

The 14-capacity Nissan was full at the time of the accident.

Area police boss Tom Mboya confirmed the accident and said three of the passengers involved were police officers.

The matatu was travelling from Nairobi to Maua while the lorry was travelling from Ruiri area before the accident.

“The lorry unfortunately did not give way because it was entering a main road. It was expected as a general rule of the road that he should have given way before entering the main road,” the OCPD said.

ASSIST POLICE

He urged the public to always assist victims of accidents and not steal their personal belongings.

“We had an awful scene and some unscrupulous wananchi instead of sympathising with victims and assisting the police and Red Cross officers took advantage to loot,” he said, adding: “I appeal to drivers to be more careful on the road and observe the rules,” Mr Mboya said.

 The bodies of the seven were moved to Meru Level Five Hospital mortuary.