Car bursts into flames after crashing into footbridge on Mbagathi Way
By William Muthama, July 11, 2026A vehicle burst into flames after crashing into a pedestrian footbridge close to the Riara University turn-off. Along Mbagathi Way in Nairobi in the early hours of Saturday, July 11, 2026, leaving residents and motorists puzzled over how it ended up on the structure.
The vehicle appeared to veer off the main carriageway before somehow making its way onto the stairs leading to the pedestrian footbridge.
It eventually came to a stop on the footbridge, where it caught fire.
Videos shared by members of the public showed the vehicle engulfed in flames, with thick smoke billowing into the air as the fire consumed it.
Several motorists slowed down or stopped to witness the unfolding incident, while bystanders gathered near the scene as emergency response efforts got underway.
The extent of the damage to the vehicle was not immediately established.
Questions remain
The bizarre nature of the crash has become one of the biggest talking points following the incident. Images and videos from the scene showed the vehicle lodged on the pedestrian footbridge after climbing the staircase leading to the crossing, leaving many wondering how it managed to reach such an unusual location.
The circumstances surrounding how the car ended up on the elevated walkway remain unclear, with investigators expected to reconstruct the events leading to the crash.
Police had not immediately released details on the cause of the accident or confirmed whether there were any injuries or fatalities.
By mid-morning, videos seen by K24 Digital showed police officers, emergency responders and recovery personnel at the scene as efforts to remove the burnt vehicle got underway.
The wreckage, which had come to rest on the pedestrian footbridge after the crash, was carefully lowered using recovery equipment as officers cordoned off the area to keep onlookers at a safe distance.
Traffic flowed slowly along sections of Mbagathi Way as motorists slowed down to catch a glimpse of the unusual scene, while investigators documented the crash site before the vehicle was removed for further examination.