Two fatalities occurred in separate traffic incidents along the bustling Nairobi-Mombasa highway in Machakos. The tragedies unfolded within the jurisdiction of the Athi River East subcounty police command early Friday.
Both incidents were reported to the Athi River police station as hit-and-run accidents resulting in fatal injuries. According to Anderson Mbae, the subcounty police commander, the first incident involved a vehicle hitting a pedestrian in the Sabaki area of Mlolongo division around 5:30 am.
The second incident claimed the life of a motorcycle taxi operator who was struck by a vehicle in Mlolongo Township.
“This occurred today at about 5.30 am along Nairobi–Mombasa highway involving an unknown motor vehicle and unknown pedestrian,” Mbae told the Star on Friday.
Mbae said the unknown motor vehicle was being driven by unknown driver from Mombasa general direction headed towards Nairobi when it knocked down the unknown pedestrian who was walking along the said road while facing the Nairobi general direction.
“As a result of the impact, the unknown pedestrian died on the spot and the said motor vehicle sped off towards the Nairobi general direction. Traffic police officers from Athi River police station visited the scene, processed it and removed the body to Shallom Community Hospital mortuary awaiting identification and an autopsy,” Mbae said.
He said the case was pending under investigations.
The second incident reportedly happened at around 5.00 am Friday.
Mbae said it occurred along a service lane within Mlolongo Township.
“It occurred that a bodaboda rider was riding a motorcycle from Mlolongo general direction when a canter of Hino veered off the road and knocked him,” Mbae said.
Mbae said the vehicle was headed towards Mlolongo from Nairobi’s general direction when the accident happened.
“On reaching the scene of the accident, the driver of the said motor vehicle lost its control, veered off his lane and knocked down the bodaboda rider who sustained serious head injuries and died on the spot,” Mbae said.
He mentioned that police officers responded to the scene, conducted initial investigations, and transported the deceased to Shalom Community Hospital Mortuary for further examination through an autopsy.
The vehicle involved in the incident was seized and taken to Athi River police station pending thorough inspection. Mbae added that they have initiated investigations into the accident.