Sachangwan blackspot along Nakuru-Eldoret Highway on Sunday, May 14, night claimed five lives after a matatu lost control and overturned.

At the same time, eight passengers were seriously injured and were immediately rushed to Nakuru Level Five Hospital where they received treatment.

Molo Police Commander Mwenda Muthamia stated that four men and one woman died on the spot after the vehicle slid off the road and hit the pavement.

Bodies of the five people who died in the accident were immediately taken to a mortuary in Nakuru County for preservation  awaiting identification by loved ones.

Eyewitnesses narrated that the driver who was speeding attempted to gain control of the vehicle but failed after it hit the pavement.

At the scene of the accident, traffic police officers were assisted by local villagers in re-directing traffic that was already building up.

Meanwhile, Scene of Accident Experts arrived at the Sachangwan blackspot and started reviewing the evidence after the evacuation of the injured.

The matatu was towed to Molo Police Station where it was to undergo examination by traffic police and officers from an insurance company.  

Molo Police Commander Mwenda Muthamia urged motorists to be cautious  while driving under the cover of darkness, and always observe traffic rules and Laws.

The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) on Monday, 8 May launched a nationwide crackdown on rogue vehicles, particularly, public service motor vehicles.

Officers drawn from multiple agencies mounted roadblocks and asked motorists to avail official documents for scrutiny and authentification.

"The crew is required to produce a speed limiter certificate for the specific vehicle which they are operating in," NTSA further clarified. 

NTSA noted at least 9,933 people were seriously injured and 7,137 were slightly injured. This is an increase of 1,135 compared to 2022 where 20,625 people were involved in road crashes and 4,579 died, 10,049 got seriously injured and 5,997 were slightly injured.