A devastating accident occurred on Tuesday morning in Mariakani area, Kilifi County when a four-wheel drive car collided head-on with a canter. The incident resulted in the loss of two lives and left three others seriously injured.

Cause of the Accident

According to police reports, the driver of the Range Rover, Jamal Mubarak (37), was speeding from Mombasa to Nairobi as he attempted to overtake another vehicle. In his haste, he miscalculated and collided with an oncoming canter truck in the Maji Ya Chumvi area at around 7 am.

Fatalities and Injuries

The driver of the Range Rover, Jamal Mubarak, and a female passenger died instantly due to severe injuries sustained during the collision. Three others who were traveling in the canter suffered serious injuries and were rushed to Mariakani Sub County Hospital for treatment.

Investigation Underway

Police have launched an investigation into the accident and are blaming speeding and overtaking as the primary causes of the tragedy. The wreckage of both vehicles was towed to a local police station, where further examination is being conducted.

National Transport and Safety Authority’s Warning

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that exist on Kenya’s roads and highways. According to statistics from the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), up to 4,000 people lose their lives each year due to road accidents in the country. The NTSA has urged road users to exercise caution and adhere to traffic rules to prevent such tragedies.

Common Causes of Fatal Crashes

The leading causes of fatal crashes include hit-and-runs, tyre bursts, vehicles or motorcycles losing control while traveling at high speeds, improper overtaking, and failure to maintain a proper lane resulting in head-on collisions. These statistics highlight the need for road users to be vigilant and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety on Kenya’s roads.