Scores feared dead after lorry and matatu collide near Dedan Kimathi University
By Steve Ireri, March 28, 2026Several people have been confirmed dead following a gruesome road accident near Dedan Kimathi University of Technology along the busy Nyeri–Mweiga highway.
The fatal crash involved a 14-seater public service vehicle and a heavily loaded lorry carrying massive logs of timber.
According to preliminary reports, the driver of the lorry swerved in an attempt to avoid hitting a cyclist, but in the process lost control and rammed into the oncoming matatu.
Footage circulating online shows the devastating scale of the impact, with the matatu completely crushed and stripped of its roof under the weight of the timber.
Bystanders can be seen rushing to the scene in a desperate attempt to rescue survivors, as screams and cries fill the air. The force of the collision left several passengers trapped beneath the logs, complicating rescue efforts.
Rescue operations were immediately launched, with first responders and members of the public working together to save those trapped in the wreckage. A rescuer at the scene described the situation as dire, noting that they had to first remove the heavy timber from the lorry in order to reach the victims who had been pinned underneath.
He explained that many of the injured were in critical condition, and efforts were focused on extracting as many survivors as possible.
“When I got here, I found that things were not looking good. Many people had died, and we had to help where possible and rescue lives. We first had to remove some firewood from the lorry because the logs had pressed down on some people. That was the only way to rescue those trapped,” he said.
Survivors of the crash were rushed to Nyeri County Referral Hospital in critical condition, as medical teams raced against time to stabilise them. The ill-fated matatu has been identified as belonging to Nyakicha Sacco, though the exact number of passengers who were on board at the time of the accident is yet to be established.
Regional Police Commandant Elizabeth Vivi, who confirmed the incident, stated that at least 15 people have since been confirmed dead.
She revealed that 10 male victims died while being rushed to hospital, alongside one juvenile, bringing the total number of fatalities to 15 so far.
Vivi further noted that the identification process for the victims is currently underway, as authorities work to notify families of their loved ones. She added that police have launched investigations to establish the full circumstances surrounding the crash.
“Ten male victims died on their way to the hospital, and one juvenile also died, bringing the total number of fatalities to 15 so far. Identification of the bodies of the victims is underway, and police have launched investigations to gather more information on how the crash happened. I also urge motorists and road users to be more vigilant,” she added.
At the same time, the police commandant urged motorists and all road users to exercise greater caution, particularly on busy highways, to help prevent such tragic incidents.
The accident has caused significant disruption along the Nyeri–Mweiga highway, with traffic flow partially paralysed as emergency teams continue with rescue and clearance operations.