Eight killed in Embu road crash after lorry hits tuk-tuk

At least eight people were killed and another injured in a road accident along the Mwea–Embu Road early Saturday after a lorry reportedly veered into the opposite lane while attempting to avoid potholes.

The crash occurred at about 6:45 a.m. at Murubara area and involved a lorry and a travelling in opposite directions.

According to police, the lorry was heading from Mwea towards Embu when the driver allegedly swerved into the oncoming lane to avoid potholes before colliding head-on with the tuk-tuk.

Those killed included a 29-year-old passenger in the lorry, four unidentified adult women who were passengers in the tuk-tuk, and three unidentified adult women who were walking along the road shoulder and were struck during the collision.

A 27-year-old female passenger in the lorry sustained minor injuries to both knees and was rushed to Kimbimbi Level IV Hospital for treatment.

Police visited the scene and launched investigations into the crash. The lorry driver was arrested and is being held in custody pending investigations.

The bodies of the deceased were moved to Kerugoya Level V Hospital Mortuary for preservation, postmortem examinations and identification.

Both vehicles were extensively damaged and towed to the police station yard pending inspection.

Police said preliminary investigations indicate the lorry driver's attempt to avoid potholes may have contributed to the collision, although investigations are ongoing.

The incident came hours after 17 other people were killed in separate road accidents in Eldoret and Isiolo on Friday. Police said more than 20 others were injured in the crashes.

Fatal road accidents have been on the rise despite ongoing efforts to address the problem. Officials say reckless overtaking, speeding and drunk driving remain among the leading causes of road crashes across the country, despite sustained public safety campaigns by the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA).

Mechanical failures caused by poorly maintained vehicles, including worn tyres and faulty brakes, have also been identified as significant contributors to the growing number of crashes.