5 die after matatu carrying 16 passengers rams into lorry

By Patrick Mutisya

Five people died on Thursday night after a Kitui-bound 14-seater matatu they were travelling in, rammed the rear part of a lorry at Kingaatuani area in Mwala on the Machakos-Kitui Road.

Three of the victims died on the spot, whereas two succumbed to their injuries while being taken to hospital.

Rosaida Mwikali, a doctor at the Machakos Level 5 Hospital, said they received eight survivors at the facility’s emergency wing, whereas three others were taken to Masii Medical Centre.

“Most of the accident victims suffered fractured or broken limbs. We have so far treated and discharged seven of the eight patients admitted at our hospital,” said Mwikali.

John Musembi, who was aboard the 14-seater matatu, accused the driver of reckless driving.

“He was speeding so that he could beat the 9pm curfew cut-off. On reaching Kingaatuani, we rammed on the rear part of a lorry, which was dangerously parked on the roadside,” Musembi told K24 Digital.

The passenger revealed that 16 persons, including the driver, were aboard the public service vehicle, contrary to the legally allowed passenger-capacity of eight.