17 People Killed, 7 Injured in Multiple Car Collision Along Nairobi-Mombasa Highway
At least 17 people have reportedly died on the spot following a grisly road accident involving multiple vehicles at Salama in Makueni County along the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway.
Reports indicate that the accident occurred on Saturday, October 3, shortly after midnight, when a lorry reportedly lost control after its brakes failed and rammed into several vehicles, including a 14-seater matatu.
According to a witness account, the matatu was carrying passengers travelling to Subukia Shrine in Nakuru County for prayers when it was caught up in the crash.
Following the crash, seven other victims were reportedly rushed to Sultan Hamud Sub-County Hospital for medical attention.
The circumstances surrounding the crash are yet to be fully established as emergency responders and the police continue assessing the scene.
The multiple-vehicle collision caused a heavy traffic snarl-up along the busy Nairobi-Mombasa Highway, with motorists forced to seek alternative routes.
Images of the crash obtained by TSM showed the 14-seater matatu extensively damaged, with its windscreen shattered and several windows broken.
The latest development comes against the backdrop of a surge in road accidents reported across the country, raising renewed concerns over road safety.
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Just a day ago, several people were injured following an accident in the Kapiti Plains in Machakos County involving two trailers that were moving in opposite directions.
The impact left both lanes blocked, restricting movement along the highway and consequently resulting in a heavy gridlock that lasted up to 10 hours.
According to the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), over 2,100 people have lost their lives on Kenyan roads in the first half of 2026, marking an 11 per cent rise compared to the same period in 2025.
The Authority noted that human behaviour, including speeding, reckless overtaking, poor lane discipline, unsafe crossing points and mechanical failures, remains a major cause of crashes.
