12 individuals on Saturday night tragically lost their lives in a road accident involving a matatu and a pick-up at Nithi Bridge.

The incident was confirmed by Tharaka Nithi County Police Commander Zacchaeus Ng’eno, who stated that those who perished were passengers returning from a parental blessing ceremony in Meru.

Preliminary report indicate that the matatu driver was unfamiliar with the highway and was driving in the opposite lane when the accident happened.

Number of bodies collected from the incident

“So far, we are confirming that we have collected 12 bodies from this scene and two others injured.

“This accident involved two motor vehicles, one was headed towards Nairobi and the other towards Meru,” Ng’eno stated.

The number of the survivors from the Nithi Bridge incident

The commander added that two survivors were quickly taken to Chogoria Mission Hospital and Chuka hospital for specialized care.

Additionally, he noted that out of the 12 victims, eight were male adults, two were female and two children.

“We extend our heartfelt sympathy for the lives lost. The total number of fatalities is 12, comprising 10 adults and 2 children, with 8 females and 2 males,” he mentioned.

Alex Mugambi, leading the Tharaka Nithi County Fire and Rescue Department, and his team swiftly reached the accident site to commence rescue operations.

Advice given to the public by Mugambi

In his address to the media, Mugambi advised the public to avoid congregating at accident scenes, emphasizing the potential for additional accidents.

He highlighted that shortly after the initial crash, another vehicle, a Sienta, collided with a stationary milk lorry at the same location.