The fatal crash occurred on Saturday morning at Murubara when a parcel truck travelling from Mwea towards Embu collided with a tuk-tuk heading in the opposite direction toward Ngurubani.
According to police, the impact was severe, killing several victims instantly and leaving others with serious injuries.
RELATED ARTICLE: Farmers Heading to Plant Rice Involved in a Grisly Accident Claiming At Least 8 Lives
Mwea East Sub-County Police Commander Stephen Okal confirmed that eight people died at the scene. Five of the victims were occupants of the parcel truck, while one person travelling in the tuk-tuk also lost their life. Two pedestrians walking along the roadside were fatally struck during the crash.
The tuk-tuk was transporting farm workers from Kimbimbi to the Mwea Irrigation Research area, where they were scheduled to plant rice. The journey ended in tragedy after the truck veered into its path before also hitting pedestrians.
Three people survived the accident with injuries. Two were rushed to Kimbimbi Hospital for treatment, while another victim, who sustained critical injuries, was referred to Kerugoya County Referral Hospital for specialized medical care.
Police arrested the parcel truck driver, who suffered only minor injuries, as investigations into the cause of the crash began. Authorities are expected to inspect the vehicle and reconstruct the accident to determine whether speeding, reckless driving, mechanical failure, or road conditions contributed to the collision.
Residents who witnessed the aftermath alleged that the driver attempted to avoid potholes on the highway before losing control of the truck. Investigators are expected to establish whether the condition of the road played a role in the deadly accident.
The bodies of the eight victims were moved to Kerugoya Mortuary pending identification and post-mortem examinations.
The accident has renewed calls for urgent repairs on sections of the Mwea–Embu Highway and stricter enforcement of traffic regulations to reduce the growing number of fatal crashes on Kenyan roads.
Road safety campaigners have repeatedly urged motorists to maintain safe speeds, avoid dangerous maneuvers, and remain vigilant, particularly on roads with damaged surfaces.
As families begin mourning their loved ones, authorities continue investigating the circumstances surrounding one of Kirinyaga County's deadliest road accidents this year.
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