The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has launched an investigation into a fatal crash that occurred on Saturday morning at Salama area on the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway. The crash resulted in the deaths of 17 Catholic pilgrims and injured seven others. NTSA has dispatched a multidisciplinary crash investigation team to Salama to establish the circumstances surrounding the accident.
According to NTSA, the investigation will include vehicle inspection and compliance. The crash occurred shortly after midnight at Mlima Kiu in the Salama area of Makueni County, involving several vehicles, including a 14-seater matatu and a lorry. More than five other vehicles were also damaged in the accident. The Mlima Kiu-Salama stretch has been identified by NTSA as a black spot.
The victims of the crash were Catholic pilgrims from St Mathias Mulumba Catholic Church, Mikindani Parish in Mombasa, who were travelling to the National Shrine in Subukia, Nakuru County, for the National Prayer Day. The accident has prompted messages of condolence from various leaders, including President William Ruto, who described the deaths as a painful loss.
President Ruto expressed his condolences to the families, friends, parishioners, and the entire Catholic community who are mourning the loss. Archbishop Martin Kivuva Musonde of the Archdiocese of Mombasa also called on Catholics to pray for the victims and their families. Other leaders, including former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Wiper Patriotic Front leader Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka, also mourned the loss of lives.
The leaders emphasized the need for greater commitment to road safety and urged motorists, passengers, and transport operators to exercise caution. Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo urged road users to exercise greater caution, stating that every journey carries lives that must be protected. The damaged vehicles have been towed for further examination.
Seven people who sustained serious injuries were evacuated by an emergency team from Sultan Hamud Sub-County Hospital and taken to a facility for treatment. NTSA has urged motorists to exercise extreme caution, avoid dangerous overtaking, and strictly observe lane discipline as investigations continue.
The accident has resulted in an outpouring of condolences from various leaders and Kenyans in general. As investigations continue, the nation mourns the loss of 17 lives in the tragic accident. Key leaders who sent condolence messages include Mombasa Governor Abdullswamad Sherriff Nassir and Jubilee Party leader Fred Matiang’i.
Key points
- NTSA has launched an investigation into the fatal crash.
- The crash resulted in the deaths of 17 Catholic pilgrims.
- Leaders have urged motorists to exercise caution and greater commitment to road safety.
