The death toll from Sunday’s grisly accident near Kikopey in Gilgil has climbed to 16, after three more victims who had been critically injured succumbed in hospital.
The crash occurred along the busy Nakuru–Nairobi highway when a fourteen-seater matatu carrying family members collided head-on with a truck.
Thirteen people died instantly, while three others were rushed to hospital in critical condition.
Nakuru County Police Commander Emmanuel Opuru said the accident happened as the matatu attempted to overtake.
“The matatu was overtaking and then it rammed into the trailer causing 13 fatalities and three others seriously injured,” he said on Sunday.
Two children were among those who died in hospital on Monday, raising the number of victims to 16.
Preliminary information indicates that the group had hired the matatu from Nairobi to attend a family function in Nakuru. Authorities have opened investigations to establish further details surrounding the tragic incident.