By Nuru Salim
At least five people lost their lives on the spot, while two others sustained serious injuries in a fatal road accident along the Milalani–Shimba Hills Road in Msambweni Sub-county on Sunday night.
The tragic crash, which occurred at approximately 10:00 p.m., involved a lorry and a tuk-tuk, which collided head-on under unclear circumstances.
Confirming the incident, Msambweni Sub-county Police Commander Ahmed Hillow said preliminary investigations suggest that one of the vehicles may have been speeding or veered into the wrong lane, leading to the fatal crash.
“The road is in good condition, but we suspect that one of the drivers either lost control or was speeding,” said Hillow.
According to eyewitnesses, the tuk-tuk was carrying seven passengers at the time of the accident. The lorry driver and another passenger fled the scene immediately after the crash, leaving behind the wreckage and victims.
Following the accident, police launched a manhunt for the two individuals who are still on the run.
The two survivors were rushed to Diani Hospital, where they are receiving medical treatment, while the bodies of the deceased were taken to Msambweni County Referral Hospital mortuary for identification and postmortem examination.
Four of the deceased were laid to rest at Fingirika, while one was buried at Sawasawa.
Meanwhile, police have towed the wrecked vehicles to Msambweni Police Station as investigations continue to determine the exact cause of the crash.
Ahmed has urged motorists to observe traffic rules and exercise caution, particularly on roads with sharp bends and poor visibility, to prevent similar tragedies.
“I would like to remind all motorists to drive carefully and follow road safety regulations,” he said, warning that stern action will be taken against anyone found flouting traffic rules.
