Several passengers narrowly escaped death on Wednesday evening when a Nairobi-bound matatu lost control and veered off the road at the Kipsoen area in Longisa, along the Bomet-Narok Highway. The terrifying incident occurred as the vehicle approached a sharp bend, leading to a sudden plunge into a roadside ditch.
According to eyewitnesses, the matatu appeared to be moving at a considerable speed as it approached the bend. Moments later, the driver seemed to struggle with the controls, and before anyone could react, the vehicle swerved off the road and landed in a ditch.
“It all happened so quickly. One moment the matatu was cruising along the road, and the next it was tumbling into the ditch,” one witness recalled. The incident caused panic among the passengers, many of whom sustained minor injuries as they were tossed around during the crash.
Residents from nearby homesteads and businesses rushed to the scene immediately after hearing the noise. Their swift response played a crucial role in the rescue efforts. Working together, they helped evacuate the shaken passengers through the vehicle’s broken windows and damaged doors.
Emergency services arrived shortly after, and the injured passengers were rushed to Longisa County Referral Hospital, where they were treated for minor injuries and shock. Hospital officials later confirmed that all passengers had been stabilized and discharged, with none requiring extended hospitalization.
The matatu, which had departed from Bomet en route to Nairobi, was carrying passengers and luggage when the incident occurred. Preliminary assessments at the scene indicated that brake failure may have been the primary cause of the accident. Skid marks on the road and eyewitness reports supported the theory that the vehicle had been unable to slow down in time to safely navigate the bend.
Transport officials have since launched an investigation into the incident. Mechanical examinations will be conducted on the vehicle to determine whether it had undergone proper maintenance and if the brake system was functional before departure. The findings are expected to help prevent similar accidents in the future.
Traffic police at the scene urged matatu operators and other public service vehicle drivers to conduct routine checks and maintenance on their vehicles, especially during the rainy season when roads are more hazardous. They also called on drivers to observe speed limits and exercise caution when approaching bends and hilly terrain.
Road safety remains a major concern along the Bomet-Narok Highway, which has seen several accidents in recent months. Sharp bends, poor visibility in certain stretches, and speeding have all been cited as contributing factors. The highway is a key link between western Kenya and Nairobi, making it one of the busiest and most critical routes for both passengers and cargo.
While the matatu was eventually towed away from the crash site, debris from the accident temporarily disrupted traffic. Authorities later cleared the scene, allowing normal flow to resume.
Although no lives were lost, the incident served as a grim reminder of the importance of road safety and vehicle maintenance. Passengers and drivers alike are being urged to remain vigilant, prioritize safety, and report any signs of mechanical failure before embarking on a journey.
