A 19-year-old male student died on the spot and four other people were critically injured in a fatal road accident along the Nairobi-Namanga highway near Kajiado town.
The student had hiked a lift with his two other colleagues on a lorry ferrying river sand when the accident occurred on Sunday evening – police have confirmed.
Hiking lifts on lorries ferrying sand is a common practice among locals plying the route, especially in remote areas which have no public transport.
Two students, a driver and his conductor were critically injured and rushed to Kajiado Referral Hospital when the lorry was involved in the accident.
According to an eyewitness, the accident happened when the overloaded truck, which was speeding, lost control after hitting road bumps and rolled severally.
Confirming the incident, Kajiado Central Sub County Police Commander John Odhiambo said an investigation into the accident has been launched.
“It is sad that we have lost a student in the fatal accident. My condolences go to family and friends,” Odhiambo said.
The police commander urged motorists and all road users to adhere to traffic rules to avert accidents and loss of life.
“Life is precious and every road user should strive to protect it by being responsible. Speeding is a death sentence and motorists should drive with manageable speed,” the police boss added.
The student’s body has since been moved to Kajiado Referral Hospital mortuary and the lorry wreckage was towed to Kajiado Police Station.
