Several feared dead in trailer-matatu accident on Bungoma-Eldoret Highway
By Kenneth Mwenda, June 27, 2026Several people are feared dead and others injured after a grisly road accident at Chimoi along the Bungoma–Eldoret Highway on Saturday, June 27, 2026.
The crash, which occurred around 3 pm, involved a trailer and a 14-seater public service vehicle (PSV) matatu. Preliminary reports from transport officials and witnesses indicate that the trailer overturned and landed on the matatu, trapping passengers inside the wreckage.
The Long Distance Drivers and Conductors Association (LoDDCA) first alerted the public about the incident through social media, warning motorists of heavy disruption along the busy highway.
“FATAL ACCIDENT ALERT: A fatal accident has occurred at Chimoi along the Bungoma–Eldoret Highway involving a truck and a PSV matatu. The crash has caused a major traffic snarl-up. Motorists are advised to avoid the area if possible,” LoDDCA said.
Minutes later, the association issued an update confirming that a matatu and a trailer carrying logs were involved. Rescue operations were still ongoing at the time.
“CHIMOI ACCIDENT UPDATE: The accident involves a NorthRift Matatu and a trailer that was carrying logs. Rescue operations ongoing,” the group added.
Eyewitnesses at the scene described a chaotic rescue effort as residents and motorists rushed to assist those trapped inside the crushed matatu. Some passengers remained stuck inside the wreckage as emergency teams struggled to reach them due to the weight of the overturned trailer.
Authorities said the accident caused a major traffic snarl-up along the highway, forcing motorists to avoid the area or expect long delays.
Emergency responders from police units and local agencies worked to stabilise the scene and remove victims from the wreckage. However, officials had not confirmed the exact number of deaths or injuries by the time of publication, as rescue efforts continued.
Recurring fatal road crashes
This latest crash adds to a series of deadly road accidents recorded along the Bungoma–Eldoret corridor in recent months. On June 10, 2026, six people died and several others were injured in another collision involving a shuttle matatu and a trailer at Mabanga along the Webuye–Bungoma Highway. That incident also involved a head-on collision that left the PSV completely crushed.
Earlier reports also showed similar patterns of accidents involving trucks and matatus in the region, raising renewed concerns about road safety, speeding, and vehicle maintenance on the busy highway.
In another incident in Nyeri in March 2026, 15 people died after a matatu collided with a truck carrying logs, highlighting a recurring trend of fatal crashes involving heavy commercial vehicles and passenger vans.
Road safety experts have repeatedly warned that long-distance highways remain high-risk zones, especially where heavy trucks, passenger vehicles, and motorcycles share the same lanes without strict enforcement.
Authorities continue to urge drivers to exercise caution, avoid speeding, and observe traffic rules. They have also called for stricter enforcement of safety regulations to reduce recurring crashes.