A devastating road crash on the Machakos-Kitui Road in Machakos County has claimed the lives of two individuals. According to Machakos County Police Commander Patrick Lobolia, the victims were instantly killed when their vehicle, a Probox carrying mangoes, plunged into Thwake River at a bridge in Machakos Subcounty on Thursday night.
Lobolia explained that the incident occurred late Thursday evening, but the exact time of the crash is still unclear. The bodies of the two men were recovered from the wreckage, which had submerged in the river. The identity of the victims remains unknown at this time.
The police commander suspected that driver fatigue may have been a contributing factor, noting that the vehicle did not hit the bridge’s guardrail. “It is believed the driver fell asleep, causing the vehicle to drive straight into the river,” Lobolia remarked. The bodies were taken to Machakos Level 5 Hospital for identification and autopsy.
Other passengers in the vehicle were rescued by local bystanders and taken to the hospital for medical care. Lobolia urged anyone who witnessed the incident to come forward with information to assist in the investigation. Police officers are actively working at the scene to recover the vehicle from the river using specialized equipment.
Lobolia further stressed the importance of drivers avoiding long journeys when fatigued and taking breaks to rest. He also advised against driving at night unless absolutely necessary.
The crash is part of a broader pattern of increasing road fatalities, with the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) reporting a record high in traffic-related deaths last year. Nearly 5,000 people died in accidents in 2024, a significant increase from the previous year. December saw the highest number of fatalities, with almost 470 deaths, a 10 percent rise compared to 2023. Motorcycles and both commercial and private vehicles were found to be the main contributors to these accidents.
