Matatu Overturns on Enterprise Road With Passengers Hanging Off the Doors in Nairobi's Latest Road Safety Nightmare

Several people were injured on Wednesday night after a 32-seater matatu overturned along Enterprise Road in Nairobi's Industrial Area, triggering a major rescue operation involving emergency responders and members of the public.

The accident occurred opposite Nairobi Prison when the driver allegedly lost control of the Public Service Vehicle (PSV), causing it to overturn and trap some passengers beneath the wreckage.

Witnesses at the scene claimed the matatu had been speeding and swerving dangerously moments before the crash. Some alleged that at least six passengers were hanging outside the vehicle as it sped along the busy road.

According to eyewitness accounts, some of those injured may have been among the passengers clinging to the vehicle during the reckless maneuvers that preceded the accident.

The crash prompted an immediate response from the Kenya Red Cross, which dispatched emergency teams to provide first aid and assist in evacuating the injured.

"A mass casualty road traffic incident involving an overturned PSV has occurred along Enterprise Road in Industrial Area, opposite Nairobi Prison. Kenya Red Cross emergency response teams are on the scene providing first aid and evacuation support to those affected," the humanitarian organization said in a statement.

The exact number of passengers on board at the time of the crash was not immediately established. However, witnesses suspected the matatu may have been carrying more passengers than its licensed capacity.

Police had not issued an official statement by Thursday morning, but investigations were launched to determine the cause of the accident and whether traffic regulations were violated.

The incident has renewed concerns over reckless driving and safety violations involving public service vehicles, particularly in Nairobi where cases of speeding, overloading and dangerous driving continue to be reported.

The crash comes just days after another serious road accident near the Ole Sereni section of the Nairobi Expressway. In that incident, a Mercedes-Benz burst into flames after losing control and colliding with roadside barriers.

CCTV footage showed the luxury vehicle veering from its lane before crashing into a guardrail and concrete pillar, igniting a fire that engulfed the car within seconds.

Preliminary analysis of the footage suggested the Mercedes-Benz may have been struck from behind by another vehicle while attempting to change lanes, causing the driver to lose control. The second vehicle briefly swerved into a merging lane before regaining control and continuing its journey.

Authorities are expected to provide further updates on the Enterprise Road accident as investigations continue and the condition of the injured victims becomes clearer.