At least five people have died and several others sustained serious injuries following a tragic road accident along the Bungoma–Webuye road.Police said the accident occurred at around 12:30 a.m. near Bukembe Bridge when a matatu travelling from Webuye towards Bungoma collided head-on with an oncoming trailer.Preliminary investigations indicate that the trailer turned suddenly from its lane and crashed into the matatu, resulting in a devastating impact that killed five passengers on the spot.
The deceased, identified as three men and two women, had not been formally identified by the time of publication.Several passengers who sustained injuries were rushed to Bungoma County Referral Hospital for treatment. Police warned that the death toll could rise due to the severity of the injuries.
Officers visited the scene, documented the accident and transferred the bodies to the mortuary at Bungoma County Referral Hospital, where they await identification and post-mortem examinations.The latest crash brings the number of people killed in separate road accidents reported between Tuesday night and Wednesday morning to 15. The fatalities include seven pedestrians, six passengers, a motorcycle rider and a driver, according to police.
The accident adds to the growing concern over fatal road crashes on Kenyan highways, prompting renewed calls for motorists to adhere to traffic regulations and exercise caution while on the roads.Authorities have launched investigations into the incident.Road safety remains a major concern in the country, with close to 5,000 people losing their lives in road accidents in 2025. Officials attribute most crashes to reckless overtaking, speeding and drunk driving, despite ongoing public awareness campaigns by the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA).