Tragic Accident in Kwale Leaves Five Dead After Motorcycle Crashes into Stalled Lorry

In a devastating accident early Sunday morning, September 15, 2024, five people have been confirmed dead after a speeding motorcycle crashed into a stationary lorry along the Likoni-Kombani Road in Kwale County.

The collision, which occurred in the Denyenye area, also left one person critically injured and rushed to Diani Beach Hospital.

According to Coast Regional Police boss George Sedah, the motorcycle, which was carrying six people, was traveling from Kombani towards Likoni when it struck the rear of the lorry that had broken down on the roadside. 

The impact was so severe that five of the motorcycle’s passengers died at the scene. The lone survivor, who sustained serious injuries, was quickly taken to the hospital for emergency care.

Sedah noted that the motorcycle was heavily overloaded, which contributed to the tragedy. "It seems there were six people on the motorcycle because one survived and was rushed to the hospital," he said. 

Preliminary investigations suggest that the combination of high speed and overloading were major factors in the accident. The collision happened around 1 AM, a time when road visibility was likely poor, adding to the danger.

Motorcycles, often referred to as boda bodas, are a common mode of transport in Kenya. They are used widely due to their affordability and ability to navigate through traffic.

However, these vehicles are frequently overloaded, and their riders often ignore traffic regulations, leading to many accidents. The incident in Kwale highlights the severe risks associated with these practices.

In light of this tragedy, President William Ruto has reiterated the importance of road safety. Reflecting on broader issues, he recently discussed his efforts to create job opportunities for Kenyans both domestically and abroad. 

"When I first mentioned creating job opportunities for Kenyans in Germany, some people said that I was lying," Ruto stated. 

Authorities are urging all road users, including motorcyclists and pedestrians, to exercise greater caution.

Overloading motorcycles and speeding are particularly hazardous and contribute significantly to road accidents.

Ensuring that vehicles, including motorcycles, are not overloaded and that speed limits are respected could save lives and prevent further tragedies.

The authorities will continue their investigation into the accident and work towards implementing measures to improve road safety for everyone.