At least 13 people have been confirmed dead and 11 others injured following a devastating road accident that occurred on the afternoon of Saturday, April 5 at Cheptangulgei area, along the Kaplong-Kericho highway in Bomet County.
According to Bomet Traffic Commandant Amos Namasaka, the fatal crash involved three vehicles — a private car, a 14-seater matatu (Nissan), and a truck — all of which collided in a tragic chain of events that left several passengers dead on the spot.
Preliminary investigations by the traffic department indicate that the private car was ferrying a group of people returning from a celebration, and loud music and reckless behavior may have contributed to the accident.
“The private car was carrying people who had been celebrating. The music was loud, and the driver and passengers may have failed to observe proper caution on the road,” said Namasaka.
The Kenya Red Cross, which responded to the emergency, reported that the crash occurred at exactly 2:50 PM and confirmed that five individuals in critical condition were rushed to Tenwek Hospital, while six others with less severe injuries received treatment at the scene.
In a statement, the humanitarian organization noted:
“The accident happened in the Cheptakulge area, Daraja Sita. It involved a lorry, a Nissan, and a private car. Our team, in collaboration with the County Government of Bomet and other responders, was on-site to assist.”
Rescue and recovery efforts went on for hours, with wreckage scattered across the road causing a temporary traffic snarl-up. Authorities have since launched a full investigation into the incident, urging motorists to observe traffic rules, especially during weekends and festive gatherings.
