People look at the wreckage of a truck in Nyeri County, central Kenya, March 29, 2026. At least 15 people died in a road accident involving a truck carrying logs and a minibus, locally known as matatu, in Nyeri County, central Kenya, on Saturday evening, police said. (Photo by John Okoyo/Xinhua)
NAIROBI, March 29 (Xinhua) -- At least 15 people died in a road accident involving a truck carrying logs and a minibus, locally known as matatu, in Nyeri County, central Kenya, on Saturday evening, police said.
Central Regional Traffic Enforcement Officer Elizabeth Vivi confirmed the incident on the Nyeri-Nyahururu road, saying that 10 people died on the spot while five others succumbed to injuries in the hospital.
Vivi said the truck swerved to avoid cyclists, leading to a head-on collision with the 14-seater matatu, leaving a trail of destruction and grief.
President William Ruto sent his condolences to the victims' families, "The national government, in conjunction with the county government of Nyeri, is engaging with the affected families and will provide all necessary support during this difficult time."
The National Transport and Safety Authority, which regulates the transport industry, described the incident as a devastating loss.
Early investigation found that the crash may have been caused by a combination of reckless driving, excessive speeding, and a potentially unroadworthy truck that is suspected to have lost control. ■
A man looks at the wreckage of a minibus in Nyeri County, central Kenya, March 29, 2026. At least 15 people died in a road accident involving a truck carrying logs and a minibus, locally known as matatu, in Nyeri County, central Kenya, on Saturday evening, police said. (Photo by John Okoyo/Xinhua)
People look at the wreckage of a minibus (front) and a truck (rear) in Nyeri County, central Kenya, March 29, 2026. At least 15 people died in a road accident involving a truck carrying logs and a minibus, locally known as matatu, in Nyeri County, central Kenya, on Saturday evening, police said. (Photo by John Okoyo/Xinhua)
A man looks at the wreckage of a truck in Nyeri County, central Kenya, March 29, 2026. At least 15 people died in a road accident involving a truck carrying logs and a minibus, locally known as matatu, in Nyeri County, central Kenya, on Saturday evening, police said. (Photo by John Okoyo/Xinhua)