Death toll in Migaa road accident hits five as two succumb to injuries

Wreckage of a vehicle involved in a tragic accident along the Nakuru-Eldoret Highway on Saturday, June 24, 2023.[Kennedy Gichuhi,Standard]

Five people have been confirmed dead after they were involved in a grisly road accident at Migaa, along the Nakuru-Eldoret Highway.

Nakuru Level Five Hospital Medical Superintendent Dr James Waweru stated that two more people have succumbed.

"One of the students was brought in already dead alongside seven survivors. Unfortunately, we have lost two more, an adult male and a female," said Dr Waweru.

He mentioned that the hospital received one more patient this evening, who was referred from Molo Hospital.

"We now have six patients under our care. The individuals who succumbed had serious head fractures. The survivors in our wards are currently in stable condition," said Dr Waweru.

According to the sub-county police boss, Mwenda Muthamia, the accident occurred at around 3:30 pm in the Migaa area along the Nakuru-Eldoret Highway.

"A Mitsubishi Fighter Lorry and a Toyota matatu belonging to Bungomaline Sacco were involved. The driver of the ill-fated matatu is among those confirmed to have died," said Muthamia.

He added that the lorry driver, identified as Kenneth Muliro, was driving in the direction of Nakuru and was hit from behind upon reaching the scene of the accident.

"The Toyota matatu hit the lorry from the rear. Due to the impact, the matatu driver and two unknown male students of a secondary school in Mumias died on the spot," he said.

Three people died on the spot.

Matatu Owners Association Chairman Albert Karakacha has called on matatu operators to exercise extra caution on the roads.

"We condole with the families of the deceased persons. We urge saccos to ensure their vehicles are in good working condition, as well as other motorists, before embarking on any journey," said Karakacha.