Grieving families demand justice as survivors describe the terrifying final moments before the overloaded 33-seater lost control, killing three conductors and two passengers heading home from work
Accident Enterprise Road
Families of victims killed in a tragic matatu crash along Enterprise Road in Nairobi's Industrial Area are demanding accountability as survivors continue to recount the terrifying moments leading up to the accident that claimed five lives and left several others injured.
The fatal crash occurred on Wednesday night when a 33-seater matatu travelling from Nairobi's Central Business District to Komarock reportedly lost control and overturned after the driver allegedly engaged in dangerous manoeuvres commonly known as "nyoka nyoka."
Witnesses and survivors claimed the vehicle was swerving recklessly and speeding moments before the accident. The driver, identified only as Sam, survived the crash but sustained injuries.
The accident left five people...
Accident Enterprise Road
Families of victims killed in a tragic matatu crash along Enterprise Road in Nairobi's Industrial Area are demanding accountability as survivors continue to recount the terrifying moments leading up to the accident that claimed five lives and left several others injured.
The fatal crash occurred on Wednesday night when a 33-seater matatu travelling from Nairobi's Central Business District to Komarock reportedly lost control and overturned after the driver allegedly engaged in dangerous manoeuvres commonly known as "nyoka nyoka."
Witnesses and survivors claimed the vehicle was swerving recklessly and speeding moments before the accident. The driver, identified only as Sam, survived the crash but sustained injuries.
The accident left five people dead and at least 12 others nursing serious injuries, making it one of the latest road tragedies to reignite concerns over safety standards within the public transport sector.
Survivors described scenes of panic and confusion as the vehicle rolled over, trapping passengers and throwing others from their seats.
Road safety advocates have blamed the persistence of reckless driving practices among some public service vehicle operators, arguing that dangerous stunts continue to endanger passengers despite repeated warnings from authorities.
Families Left Devastated
Among those killed was 23-year-old conductor Edwin Kago, whose family is struggling to come to terms with his sudden death.
His father, Samuel Maina, said he received the heartbreaking news late at night.
"I received a call at around 11 p.m. informing me that my son was in the mortuary. I came in the morning to confirm the news," he said.
Another victim was 32-year-old Samuel, an employee at Huduma Centre, who was travelling home after work when the accident occurred.
Relatives described him as hardworking and dedicated, saying his death has left a painful void within the family.
"My brother was simply heading home after work," his grieving sister said.
Preliminary reports indicate that the deceased include three conductors and two passengers. Their bodies have since been transferred to the Nairobi Funeral Home as families begin funeral arrangements.
Families of the victims say dangerous driving habits have become widespread on some routes and continue to cost innocent lives.
They are now demanding thorough investigations and swift legal action against anyone found responsible for the crash.
Reckless driver allegedly swerves out of control with at least six people clinging outside the overcrowded 32-seater as Kenya Red Cross rushes to pull survivors from the wreckage
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...
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.
