Death toll rises to 8, 20 injuries recorded in Nakuru accident

At least eight people have died in a road accident at Ngata Bridge, Nakuru Town West Sub-County in a road crash along Nakuru-Eldoret Highway.

Twenty others who were seriously injured in the accident involving two matatus and a truck were taken to the Rift Valley Provincial General Hospital and other hospitals in Nakuru City for treatment.

The area deputy County Police Commander, Edwin Otieno said one of the matatus was ferrying passengers to Bomet and Kapsebet when the late Tuesday evening accident occurred.

He said the driver of the truck which was moving towards Nakuru lost control and rammed two Public Service Vehicles.

The area has become a black spot with numerous accidents being recorded at the scene.

Less than three weeks ago, three students at the nearby Rift Valley Institute of Science at technology perished at the same spot as they were going back to the college.

Five of their colleagues were critically injured.

By the time of going to press, angry students from RVIST were barricading the road with boulders to protest increased accidents along the stretch.

One of them said their colleagues who were injured in the accident claimed three of their college mates were still hospitalised.

Otieno said the police would calm down the irate students and ensure they return to school peacefully.

He urged motorists to be cautious especially now during the festive season when many families were travelling upcountry.

Meanwhile, another fatal accident occurred at Kikopey along the Nakuru-Gilgil road.

The number of deaths is not yet established because police have not processed the scene.

Motorists are being redirected through alternative routes to avoid traffic snarl-up.