Nairobi News

Eight people died while several others were injured on Saturday after a Nissan matatu collided head on with a lorry at Ng’onyi, Meru County.

According to eye witness, the matatu was overtaking a motorbike when it collided with an oncoming lorry.

Witnesses said that the hired vehicle was ferrying people heading to a dowry ceremony.

Mr Patrick Murithi, a resident who was first at the scene, said they managed to rescue six people who were taken to Meru Teaching and Referral Hospital.

RESCUED

“We heard screams and rushed at the scene. We rushed six people including a motorbike rider to hospital,” Mr Murithi said.

Red Cross Central Region coordinator Gitonga Mugambi, who arrived at scene later, said they rescued two people.

“Eight passengers died at the scene including the driver. We rushed two survivors to hospital. We are not sure the motorbike had how many passengers on board,” Mr Mugambi said.

SURVIVED

He added, “Those in the lorry escaped unhurt. We cannot tell the number of those in the lorry but we have found a motorbike at the scene. We are yet to establish the owner and if he survived.”

Imenti North MP elect Rahim Dawood asked drivers to be keen while approaching the stretch noting that it is a black spot.

He promised to erect more bumps in the area saying late last year he erected some bumps in the place which has reduced the number of accidents reported.

“I pass my condolences to the affected families. We erected bumps here because there were increased number of accidents especially the school going kids,” he said.