A fatal accident involving three trailers has caused a major traffic gridlock on the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway, particularly between Emali and Masimba. The crash occurred early Friday morning, May 30, 2025, at the Jet Inn area, where the trailers collided on a railway bridge, completely blocking the busy highway and bringing traffic to a standstill in both directions.
This incident has severely affected transportation along one of Kenya’s most vital roads, which links the capital city Nairobi to the coastal city of Mombasa. The collision has resulted in massive congestion, frustrating motorists and causing significant delays for commuters and freight vehicles alike.
Authorities have responded swiftly by deploying additional police officers to the scene to manage the traffic situation and restore normal flow as quickly as possible. Law enforcement officials are working in coordination with relevant agencies to clear the wreckage and ensure the highway reopens safely.
Officials have urged motorists traveling along this corridor to remain patient and exercise caution while navigating the affected areas. They have also emphasized the importance of maintaining lane discipline to avoid further accidents and complications during this period of disruption.
In an effort to ease congestion, alternative routes have been recommended for drivers. Vehicles heading towards Mombasa are advised to divert through the Machakos-Wote-Makindu route, while those traveling to Nairobi are encouraged to use the Makindu-Wote-Machakos route. These detours, though longer, are expected to reduce the burden on the main highway while clearance and recovery operations are ongoing.
The authorities continue to appeal to the public for cooperation with law enforcement officers and other agencies working to manage the situation. Drivers are advised to plan their journeys with these disruptions in mind and to avoid unnecessary travel on the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway until the accident site has been cleared.
The police have also warned that they will take stern action against anyone violating traffic rules during this period, stressing the need for compliance to prevent further incidents and to safeguard the lives of all road users.
The National Police Service reiterated its commitment to maintaining order and safety on Kenyan roads, particularly during such challenging situations. It remains focused on quickly resolving the traffic chaos and restoring free movement along this critical transportation corridor.
As of the time of reporting, official casualty figures from the crash had not been released, and investigations into the cause of the collision were still underway. Authorities are expected to provide updates as more information becomes available.
This accident highlights the vulnerabilities of Kenya’s road network, especially along heavily trafficked highways like the Nairobi-Mombasa route. It also underscores the importance of road safety and the need for continuous vigilance by drivers to avoid such tragic events.
Commuters and transport operators are urged to stay informed through official channels for real-time updates on the traffic situation and any further instructions. With cooperation and patience, it is hoped that normalcy will soon return to this critical artery of Kenya’s transport system.
