A police officer at the site of the crash. [Nikko Tanui, Standard]

Forty passengers narrowly escaped death when a 66-seater bus they were travelling in was involved in an accident at Tunnel area along the Londiani-Muthuroni road.

The accident which occurred at around 3am left the passengers with multiple injuries.

Kericho County Red Cross Co-ordinator Sylvia Tuwei said five people sustained serious injuries and were taken to Kericho County Hospital for treatment.

"Those with minor injuries have been transported to Fort Tenan Hospital where they were attended to and discharged. No fatalities reported," she said.

The accident reportedly occurred when the driver of the bus encountered a sudden stop by a vehicle in front of him.

"In an attempt to avoid a collision, he swerved and veered to the left side of the road. The bus eventually came to a rest on the left side of the road, facing the Muhoroni direction," read a police report in part.