NAKURU, Kenya, Oct. 31 (Xinhua) -- At least six people, including the driver of a minibus, were killed in a multi-vehicle crash along the Nakuru-Eldoret highway in western Kenya early Saturday, police said.
The midnight crash involved a truck, a local minibus operated by North Rift Sacco and a saloon car, according to police.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the truck, travelling towards Eldoret, swerved into the oncoming lane while attempting to avoid a vehicle ahead, leading to the collision.
The truck subsequently rammed into the car before colliding with the minibus with 10 passengers aboard.
Five female passengers and the driver of the minibus died on the spot, while an unknown number were injured and rushed to different hospitals in Uasin Gishu County, the police said in a report.
Authorities attribute the high rate of fatal crashes in Kenya to reckless driving, dangerous overtaking, driving or walking while intoxicated, and motorcyclists failing to wear helmets.
According to the National Transport and Safety Authority, about 4,000 Kenyans lose their lives in road accidents annually, despite ongoing safety initiatives by the government and private sector stakeholders. ■