At least four people were killed and about 16 others injured after a lorry ferrying compost manure lost control and ploughed into pedestrians, motorcycle riders and several vehicles along the Meru-Nkubu Road.
The accident occurred at around 9pm on Thursday, October 8, in the River Land area as the lorry descended a steep slope towards Nkubu, police said.
According to police, the lorry was being driven from Makutano towards Nkubu when it reportedly suffered brake failure.
The vehicle descended uncontrollably and rammed into a stationary Toyota matatu, before hitting pedestrians and motorcycle riders who were by the roadside.
The lorry subsequently crashed into two other vehicles, a Toyota Sienta and another Toyota Sienta, before overturning onto its left side.
The crash claimed the lives of Kassim Kimathi, 29, Elias Makarina, Brian Muthuri and an unidentified adult woman, police and witnesses said.
About 16 other victims sustained injuries and were rushed to Meru Level Five Hospital for treatment.
Traffic officers from Meru, alongside the Imenti North Sub-County Police Commander, responded to the scene and coordinated rescue operations.
The bodies of the deceased were taken to the hospital mortuary, where they were awaiting postmortem examinations.
Two motorcycles were also extensively damaged in the crash.
The damaged motorcycles and vehicles were towed to the police station yard pending inspection as officers documented the scene and commenced the necessary investigations.
Police said 12 people including six pedestrians were killed on Thursday night alone. The accidents also left 32 people seriously injured, police said.
There has been a surge in fatal accidents in the country amid operations to address the menace.
More than 4,000 people are annually killed in separate accidents in the country, statistics show. Thousands other people are left with serious injuries which has a negative impact on families and friends at large.
Officials have been running campaigns to address the menace. Officials say the leading causes of fatal crashes included hit-and-runs, tyre bursts, and vehicles and motorcycles losing control.
Also overtaking improperly and failing to keep the proper lane resulting in head-on collisions are mentioned as causes of the accidents.
Email your news TIPS to Editor@Kahawatungu.com — this is our only official communication channel
