Five die as vehicles collide on highway

An accident involving a truck and private car along Thika road in Nairobi on February 2, 2009. Maintaining road safety during Christmas, is an arduous task due to increased travelling. Photo/FILE

Five people died on Sunday when a matatu and a private car collided on the Nyeri-Nanyuki highway.

Police said four people died on the spot while the driver of the matatu died while undergoing treatment.

Thirteen other people were admitted to the Nanyuki District Hospital, six in serious condition, Nyeri OCPD Kirunya Limbitu told journalists.

Witnesses said the salon car, which was moving towards Nyeri was speeding. On reaching a bend at Karicheni area, the driver left his lane for that of the oncoming matatu, causing the collision.

The impact split the saloon into two and extensively damaged the matatu. Both burst into flames.

Ignored bumps

Mr Limbitu said witness accounts indicated that the salon car had earlier been spotted in Narumoru Town, about five kilometres from the accident scene being driven at high speed.

He said the driver did not slow down even at bumps erected in the town. Reports said all the four people in the saloon were killed in the accident.