Gilgil, Kenya – Tragedy struck on Monday evening when five people, including an infant, died in a devastating road crash at Mbaruk, along the Nakuru-Eldoret highway in Gilgil.
The horrific accident occurred at around 6:30 p.m. and involved a private vehicle, a truck, and a trailer.
According to a police report, the driver of the personal car was attempting to overtake another vehicle on the single-lane stretch when he collided head-on with an oncoming truck. A trailer following closely behind then rammed into the wreckage, resulting in a fiery pile-up.
All five occupants of the private car perished on the spot. Nakuru County Traffic Officer Allan Ogolla, who visited the scene, confirmed the fatalities and noted that among the deceased was a child.
“It was a head-on collision with a trailer impact that followed almost immediately. The car had five people onboard — all of them lost their lives,” Ogolla stated.
Scene of Devastation
Videos and photos shared widely online showed the personal vehicle engulfed in flames and completely mangled from the impact. First responders and bystanders could be seen trying to access the wreckage as emergency services arrived to assist.
The crash caused a major traffic snarl-up, forcing motorists to divert to alternative routes as police and rescuers worked to clear the road.
Recurring Tragedies Along Highway
This is not the first fatal accident in recent weeks along the same highway. On July 17, two people — including a 10-year-old boy — were killed and 10 others injured in a separate crash involving a Public Service Vehicle (matatu) and a trailer carrying logs.
Eyewitnesses in that incident reported that the trailer lost control before ramming into the matatu, instantly killing two passengers. The injured were rushed to nearby hospitals, while the bodies were taken to Nakuru City Mortuary.
Residents Raise Alarm Over Road Conditions
Residents of Gilgil and surrounding areas have repeatedly sounded the alarm over the state of the Nakuru-Eldoret highway, citing poor road conditions and lack of safety features as key contributors to the frequent accidents.
Despite earlier government promises to begin expanding the highway starting August 2025, no construction has commenced — raising doubts over the commitment to improve the dangerous stretch.
Community leaders and locals are now urging authorities to prioritize road safety and fast-track planned upgrades before more lives are lost.
“We’ve seen too many accidents here. How many more must die before action is taken?” lamented a resident.
Police have launched an investigation into Monday’s fatal crash, while the victims’ bodies have been taken to the Nakuru City Mortuary for identification and preservation.
