Several feared dead: Multi-vehicle crash reported near Salgaa
This story has significance for readers across Kenya and beyond.
- A multi-vehicle crash occurred near Simba Cement at Salgaa on the Nakuru-Eldoret Highway on Saturday afternoon
- A witness at the scene confirmed the truck driver died in the crash as youth blocked the highway following the accident
- The Local Drivers and Conductors Association warned motorists to approach the Salgaa area with caution
Several people are feared dead and others injured after a multi-vehicle crash at Salgaa, along the busy Nakuru-Eldoret Highway, on Saturday, August 22.
The crash occurred near Simba Cement and involved multiple vehicles, including a long-distance truck. Police and emergency responders moved quickly to the scene to coordinate rescue efforts, with ambulances spotted attending to those caught up in the incident.
What happened at Salgaa?
A witness present at the scene described conditions on the ground as dire, confirming that at least one person had lost their life in the crash.
"We are really having a bad situation here at Salgaa following a very nasty road accident involving multiple vehicles. The driver of the truck has been confirmed to have died; however, the turnboy has made it out alive," the witness said.
The same witness flagged a secondary concern, claiming local youth had blocked a section of the highway following the crash, creating a safety risk for drivers still navigating the area.
The Local Drivers and Conductors Association (LODDCA) issued an alert urging all motorists in the vicinity to take extra care.
"Accident alert. Just now! At Salgaa Simba Cement. Approach with caution," the association said.
The crash had not only caused casualties but also triggered a heavy traffic build-up along the Nakuru-Eldoret Highway. Motorists using the route were advised to remain alert as rescue and recovery operations continued.
The full number of fatalities and injured persons had not been established at the time of publication.
Salgaa's history as a road accident black spot
Salgaa has long carried a grim reputation as one of Kenya's most dangerous stretches of road.
The area has claimed numerous lives over the years, with one of its worst incidents occurring in 2009, when an oil tanker overturned and spilled fuel onto the road.
Locals who rushed to collect the leaking petroleum were caught in a catastrophic explosion when the tanker burst into flames, killing 130 people instantly. A further 10 died while receiving treatment, bringing the total death toll from that single incident to 140.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
Reporting originally appeared via TUKO. Read the full source for additional context.