A tragic road accident at Salama along the Mombasa-Nairobi highway claimed the lives of 16 pilgrims from St. Matthias Mulumba Catholic Church in Mombasa on Saturday night. The group was en route to Subukia in Nakuru County for a national prayer pilgrimage. According to Fr. Maingi, some of the pilgrims had spoken in unusually deep spiritual terms before boarding, leaving an impression on those around them. This has left those who knew them grappling with haunting details of their final conversations.
The pilgrims' priest revealed that some of them mentioned it was their first time travelling beyond Taeta Taveta, which has been noted as a peculiar detail. Fr. Maingi suggested that these conversations carried a weight that only became apparent in hindsight, adding that he thinks "it was not a coincidence." A special memorial mass was held at the church to honour those who perished, as families began arranging their funerals.
Autopsies on all 17 victims, including one additional fatality, have been completed at Sultan Hamoud Hospital in Makueni County. Medical officials reported that most of the deceased sustained multiple soft tissue injuries, bone fractures, and severe head injuries, with extensive blood loss cited as the primary cause of death in many cases. The hospital confirmed that all 17 post-mortems were done successfully and on time.
Seven bodies had already been repatriated to various destinations by the time of the report. Grief-stricken family members visited the mortuary to identify their loved ones, with many struggling to process the suddenness of their loss. The truck driver involved in the crash sustained injuries and was transferred to Makueni Referral Hospital, where he was said to be stable and receiving treatment.
In a gesture of support, the Mombasa County Government announced it would cover the burial costs for the 16 pilgrims, offering some relief to families already overwhelmed by sorrow. This move aims to ease the financial burden on the families during this difficult time.
The Archbishop of the Catholic Diocese of Mombasa used the occasion to call on the government to widen the Mombasa-Nairobi highway, describing the volume of traffic on the corridor as far beyond what the current road can safely handle. The accident has once again raised concerns about road safety and infrastructure in the region.
As the community continues to mourn the loss of the pilgrims, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of road safety and the need for improved infrastructure. The Catholic Church and local authorities are working together to support the affected families and ensure that they receive the necessary assistance during this challenging time.
Key points
- 16 pilgrims from St. Matthias Mulumba Catholic Church in Mombasa died in a road accident at Salama along the Mombasa-Nairobi highway.
- Some pilgrims spoke of their journey in unusually deep spiritual terms before departing for Subukia.
- Autopsies revealed that most victims sustained multiple soft tissue injuries, bone fractures, and severe head injuries, with extensive blood loss as the primary cause of death.
