Dreamline Bus in Head-On Collision with Lorry at Magina Centre

NAIVASHA — A Dreamline passenger bus collided with a transit lorry in the early hours of Thursday morning at Magina Centre near Kijabe along the Nairobi-Naivasha highway, raising fresh concerns about road safety on Kenya’s major transport corridors.

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The head-on collision occurred at approximately 1:00 a.m., causing severe damage to the front section of the bus. Emergency services arrived promptly and initiated rescue operations for injured passengers. The bus driver suffered serious injuries and received immediate medical attention from first responders at the scene.

Preliminary investigations suggest the lorry may have crossed into the oncoming lane before striking the bus, according to eyewitness accounts. Authorities have launched a full investigation to determine the exact cause of the crash. The total number of casualties remains unconfirmed as authorities continue to assess the situation.

The incident coincided with another major accident on the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway along the Tsavo stretch, where multiple trucks and a private vehicle collided during morning hours, causing significant traffic disruption.

Growing Calls for Night Travel Ban

The accidents have intensified public pressure on government officials to address the escalating frequency of road crashes, particularly those occurring during nighttime hours. Transport stakeholders are advocating for restrictions on night travel, citing driver fatigue as a contributing factor to many accidents.

The Long Distance and Truck Drivers Association issued a safety advisory following Thursday’s incidents, warning drivers about the heightened risks during the rainy season. “When it rains, everything changes on the roads. Keep enough distance for braking,” the association stated, emphasizing the dangers of tailgating.

Critics argue that some transport companies schedule night journeys to maximize operations, potentially pushing drivers beyond safe working hours. This practice, they contend, increases the likelihood of fatigue-related accidents.

Recent Tragedies Underscore Safety Crisis

The Magina crash follows a devastating accident over the weekend that claimed at least 10 lives along the Kisii-Kisumu highway at Chabera in Rachuonyo East Sub-County, Homa Bay County. The Sunday night collision involved two lorries and a private van traveling from Kakamega to Nyamira.

Police confirmed that the victims belonged to a single family returning from a wedding ceremony in Kakamega County. They were headed to Nyamaiya in Nyamira North when the accident occurred. Several survivors were transported to Agoro Sare Hospital and Matata Nursing Home in Oyugis town for treatment.

Weather and Road Conditions

Authorities are urging motorists to exercise heightened caution during the ongoing rainy season, when reduced visibility and deteriorating road conditions significantly increase accident risks. Transport officials emphasize the importance of maintaining safe following distances and adjusting speed to weather conditions.

The series of accidents has reignited debate about enforcement of traffic regulations and the adequacy of current safety measures on Kenya’s highways.