Two dead, 3 badly injured in multiple-vehicle accident on Southern Bypass

At least two people were Tuesday morning killed in an accident involving multiple vehicles along the Southern Bypass, in Nairobi.

Three others were seriously injured in the Tuesday 6.30 am accident that happened near Ole Sereni area, police said.

The accident happened after the driver of a lorry moving from the Kikuyu direction lost its control, veered off his lane and crossed to the opposite one colliding with a trailer.

Witnesses said the impact also affected three other vehicles that were behind the trailer that was headed for Kikuyu direction.

As a result of the impact, a fire broke out burning down the vehicles.

Both the drivers were killed on the spot, National Police spokesperson Dr Resla Onyango said.

One of the drivers was burnt beyond recognition, police said.

Rescuers rushed to the scene and evacuated other passengers from the affected vehicles. The passengers had been trapped.

“We are investigating how and why it happened,” said Dr Onyango.

The injured were rushed to hospitals with multiple injuries, police and witnesses said.

A fire engine rushed to the scene and helped contain the fire.

Police diverted traffic flow from the Mombasa Road direction as the rescue mission went on causing a traffic jam.

This is the latest accident to happen in the country.

Up to 4,000 people are killed annually in separate accidents. There is a campaign to address the menace.

Many others are left with injuries in the incidents that hurt families.

The National Transport and Safety Authority says the leading causes of fatal crashes included hit-and-runs, tyre bursts, and vehicles and motorcycles losing control.

Also overtaking improperly and failing to keep the proper lane resulting in head-on collisions are mentioned as causes.

Police and other agencies are engaged in a campaign to address the menace.