Fatal road accident claims 17 lives along Thika-Garissa highway at Ngoliba area

KENYA: Police reports indicate 13 people died on the spot while four others succumbed to injuries while being rushed to various hospitals.

According to Thika Traffic Base Commander, Michael Lemaiyan, a 14-seater matatu traveling from Nairobi to Kitui collided head on with an oncoming lorry while trying to overtake other vehicles.

The Toyota matatu, Registration Number KCG 851L, was allegedly overloaded and over-speeding when it rammed into Isuzu lorry Registration Number KAR 343S.

"The lorry driver tried to stop but it was too late to avoid a head on collision with the matatu that was trying to overtake other cars," Lemaiyan said.

Driver of the ill-fated Isuzu truck was reportedly trapped in the vehicle and had to be pulled out by firefighters who arrived at the scene moments later. Unfortunately, the lorry driver succumbed to deep wounds while being taken to hospital.

A number of other casualties are reportedly fighting for their lives at Thika Level Five hospital and other health facilities.