5 die, 25 hospitalised in Vihiga matatu crash

The wreckage of the matatu that hit a guard rail killing five people on May 18, 2018. Twenty five others are receiving treatment at the Vihiga County Referral Hospital. PHOTO | DEVICK LUVEGA | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • The road crash caused a traffic snarl-up on the busy Kakamega-Kisumu highway.

Five people have died and 25 others hospitalised after a matatu they were travelling in veered off road hitting a guard rail in Lunyerere, Vihiga County.

Vihiga County Police Commander Beatrice Gachago on Friday said one person died on the spot while four others succumbed to their injuries at the local referral hospital in Mbale where they were taken for treatment.

The road crash caused a traffic snarl-up on the busy Kakamega-Kisumu highway with the police struggling to clear the scene.

Head of Nursing at the Vihiga County Referral Hospital Aggrey Ememwa said a Chavakali High School student was among those who died and that the school has been informed.

The 14-seater matatu was carrying 30 passengers when it crashed.

"Two are in critical condition," said Mr Ememwa.