At least 17 people, mostly pilgrims, killed in Kenya road crash
At least 17 people died in a multi-vehicle crash near Salama, about 90km southeast of Nairobi. Most were Catholic pilgrims travelling to a prayer site.
Police said a truck driver’s unsuccessful attempt to pass another truck led to a collision involving several vehicles, including a van carrying the pilgrims.
The van’s driver and 16 passengers died at the scene. Most of the passengers were women.
An archbishop expressed grief over the deaths in a statement. The National Transport and Safety Authority sent investigators to determine the circumstances of the collision.
Road crashes are a persistent concern in Kenya and other parts of Africa. The article reports that vehicle condition, speeding and road quality are often cited as contributing factors.
Key points
- At least 17 people died near Salama, most of them Catholic pilgrims.
- Police said a truck’s failed overtaking attempt triggered the collision.
- Transport safety investigators are working to establish what led to the crash.