Ahead-on collision between three lorries occurred on the night of August 20, 2015, at Kangocho hill along the Nyeri-Nairobi highway, resulting in the deaths of eight people.
The accident took place around 8pm near Karatina town, approximately two kilometers away. Seven individuals died instantly, while the eighth victim succumbed to injuries during treatment at a private hospital in Karatina.
Regional traffic commander Samuel Bore stated that one of the lorries, which was transporting goats from Isiolo to Nairobi, lost control due to brake failure. This caused the lorry to collide head-on with the other two vehicles, which were headed towards Karatina.
According to Commander Bore, six passengers overseeing the goats and two drivers lost their lives. The driver of the third lorry sustained severe injuries and received treatment at Jamii Hospital in Karatina.
Witnesses claimed that the lorry from Isiolo was speeding, contributing to the loss of control. Samuel Maina, an eyewitness, stated,
The lorry carrying goats was speeding, which led to the loss of control and the collision with the other vehicles.
Some witnesses expressed concerns that the absence of medical personnel due to a strike may have resulted in fewer lives being saved. Samuel Kinyoriro, a boda boda operator who arrived at the scene, said,
If medical staff had not been on strike, perhaps more lives could have been saved, given the prompt attention the victims would have received.
