A fatal road accident early Friday morning has resulted in the death of one person and left another seriously injured following a collision involving three trailers on the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway. The crash occurred near the Jet Inn area, between Emali and Masimba, on a railway bridge section of the highway.
The impact of the collision caused extensive damage to the vehicles, leaving mangled wreckage strewn across the road and completely blocking the busy highway. The blockage led to a significant traffic snarl-up in both directions, with hundreds of vehicles stranded for several hours as emergency services worked to clear the scene.
According to initial reports, the accident involved heavy commercial vehicles, and the exact cause of the crash is yet to be established. One of the trailer drivers was pronounced dead at the scene, while another sustained serious injuries and was rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment. The condition of the third driver remains unclear.
Emergency response teams, including paramedics, fire brigade units, and traffic police, were quickly dispatched to the scene. By the time of reporting, recovery operations were still ongoing, with responders working carefully to remove the wreckage and restore safe passage for motorists.
Traffic officers have advised motorists to seek alternative routes while efforts to clear the highway continue. Authorities have provided detour options for both directions of travel. Vehicles heading from Mombasa to Nairobi are advised to use the Makindu-Wote-Machakos Junction route to rejoin the highway closer to Nairobi. Conversely, those traveling from Nairobi to Mombasa are encouraged to take the Machakos Junction-Wote-Makindu route.
The situation has caused widespread disruption, particularly to long-distance travelers and transport companies that rely heavily on the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway, a critical corridor for cargo and passenger transport. Many commuters and drivers have expressed frustration over the delays but have acknowledged the severity of the crash and the importance of safety measures in the ongoing recovery process.
Traffic authorities have emphasized the need for patience and caution among road users during this period. Law enforcement officials are on-site directing traffic and ensuring that drivers maintain lane discipline and adhere to instructions to prevent further incidents.
In response to the accident, the National Police Service has issued a public advisory warning of a serious traffic gridlock in the affected area. Additional officers have been deployed to manage the scene, guide motorists through detour routes, and monitor compliance with traffic rules.
Authorities reiterated their commitment to restoring normal traffic flow as swiftly as possible. They urged drivers to remain calm, cooperate with emergency personnel, and avoid attempting shortcuts or illegal maneuvers that could exacerbate the situation.
As investigations into the cause of the accident continue, road safety experts are reminding the public about the importance of vigilance when driving near construction zones, bridges, and railway crossings. Heavy vehicles, in particular, require additional caution due to their size and braking limitations.
This tragic incident serves as a somber reminder of the dangers present on major highways and the need for strict adherence to road safety protocols at all times. The cleanup operation is expected to continue through the day, with updates to be provided as the situation develops.
