Kenya: Eleven students killed and 42 injured in tragic road accident

In a heart-wrenching incident on Monday, March 18, 2024, Kenya faced another dark chapter as 11 university students lost their lives and 42 others suffered severe injuries in a devastating road accident. The tragedy unfolded in the southeastern part of the country when a bus carrying students from one of Kenya’s esteemed universities collided with a truck, sending shockwaves across the nation.

According to authorities, the fatal collision occurred near the village of Maungu, about 360 kilometers from the capital city of Kenya, along the vital route connecting Nairobi to the coastal city of Mombasa.

The harrowing accident took place amid heavy rainfall, as the university bus attempted to overtake a line of vehicles, ultimately sliding into the oncoming lane.

The Kenyan police, reflecting on the grim details, reported that the bus, en route to Mombasa, lost control on the slippery road due to the inclement weather, leading to the tragic collision with the truck.

«The bus, carrying students from Kenyatta University, was overtaking a line of vehicles when it skidded on the rain-soaked road», stated the police report.

As the truck approached from the opposite direction, a collision became inevitable.

Despite efforts to avoid a direct impact, the truck struck the left side of the university bus, resulting in immediate fatalities and grave injuries among the passengers.

Emergency response teams, including the Kenyan Red Cross, swiftly mobilized to the scene, transporting the injured to the nearby Voi hospital for urgent medical attention.

The tragic incident claimed the lives of ten students on the spot, with another succumbing to injuries upon reaching medical care.

The bus, carrying a total of 58 individuals, including students, a laboratory technician, and drivers, represents a stark reminder of the dangers faced on Kenya’s roads.

The country has grappled with a high rate of road accidents, with official statistics from 2023 revealing a distressing toll of fatalities and injuries.

As Kenya mourns the loss of these promising young lives and extends heartfelt condolences to the affected families, the tragic accident serves as a poignant call for enhanced road safety measures and heightened awareness to prevent such devastating incidents in the future.