A multi-vehicle crash on the Nairobi-Mombasa highway killed at least 17 people, most of them Catholic pilgrims traveling to a prayer site. The accident occurred in the Salama area, approximately 90 kilometers southeast of Nairobi. According to officials, the crash involved a van carrying the pilgrims and a truck. The truck driver’s failed overtaking maneuver is believed to have caused the collision.
The victims were en route to a National Prayer Day event when the crash happened on Saturday. Emergency services responded quickly but were unable to save all the casualties. The incident has raised concerns about road safety in Kenya, where such accidents are not uncommon. The government has previously called for improved infrastructure and stricter enforcement of traffic laws.
This crash adds to a pattern of road fatalities in Kenya, highlighting ongoing challenges in road safety. The Salama area, located on a major highway, has seen similar incidents in the past. The Catholic community has expressed shock over the loss of lives, with some calling for greater attention to the safety of pilgrims traveling on long-distance routes. Investigations into the crash are ongoing, with authorities looking into the exact cause and potential contributing factors.
