Police search for trailer driver in Salgaa multiple crash

An accident on November 1, 2017 in Migaa area near Salgaa, Nakuru County. Police are looking for the driver of the trailer that is believed to have caused the accident in which five people died. PHOTO | JOSEPH OPENDA | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • A trailer driver is believed to have lost control of the vehicle and caused a multiple crash on the Nakuru-Eldoret highway.
  • Police are looking for the driver, who fled after the accident.

Police in Nakuru County are looking for the driver of the trailer that is believed to have caused an accident on Wednesday evening in which five people died at Migaa area near Salgaa on the Nakuru-Eldoret highway.

Rift Valley Traffic Enforcement Officer Zero Arome on Thursday morning confirmed that police had launched a manhunt for the driver who escaped immediately after the accident. The co-driver died on the spot.

FLED

“Police are looking for the driver of the ill-fated trailer, who escaped, to aid in investigations into the accident,” said Mr Arome.

The 6pm accident involved nine vehicles, among them two trailers.

Some of the vehicles were headed to Eldoret and others to Nakuru Town.

According to eye witnesses, the accident occurred when a trailer heading to Nakuru Town rammed into the other eight vehicles.

“The trailer heading to Nakuru town may have developed mechanical problems before it rammed into the other vehicles,” Mr Jacob Kipkemboi, an eye witness, told the Nation.

IN HOSPITAL

One of the drivers who survived the accident said a truck ferrying logs hit his vehicle from behind.

Roy Gardi said the truck, which was coming from Eldoret, rammed into vehicles after the driver lost control.

A woman and two men who were injured are recuperating at the Nakuru Level Five Hospital.

Ms Sharon Watabalo, 21, suffered injuries on her right hand. Mr Mark Mutinda, 32, suffered body bruises and Mr Abdi Warsame, 30, suffered head injuries.

The five bodies were taken to the Nakuru County Mortuary awaiting post-mortem.