NTSA Takes Action After Multi-Vehicle Salama Crash Claims 17 Lives

The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has dispatched a multi-disciplinary crash investigation team to Salama following an early morning multi-vehicle accident that claimed 17 lives.

In a statement on Saturday, October 3, NTSA expressed condolences to the families and friends of those who died in the crash, as well as others affected by the tragedy.

"The Authority conveys its deepest and heartfelt condolences to the families, friends and all those affected by the Salama incident. Tragically, the early morning multi-vehicle crash claimed 17 lives. Several others sustained injuries and are currently receiving treatment," the statement read.

NTSA said its team had been deployed to support the National Police Service in investigating the circumstances that led to the fatal crash. 

The investigation will also examine the condition and compliance of the vehicles involved.

"In supporting the National Police Service, the Authority has dispatched a multi-disciplinary crash investigation team to Salama to establish the full circumstances leading to the crash, including vehicle inspection and compliance," the statement added.

As investigations continue, NTSA urged motorists using the affected corridor and other roads to exercise heightened caution. 

The authority warned against dangerous overtaking and failure to maintain proper lanes.

"While investigations into this crash continue, we call upon all motorists to exercise extreme caution, avoid dangerous overtaking, and strictly observe lane discipline," the statement further read.

NTSA also identified the Mlima Kiu-Salama stretch as a road safety blackspot, noting that measures to address safety concerns along the corridor have previously been recommended.

"The Mlima Kiu - Salama stretch is a blackspot and recommendations to address the safety concerns along this corridor have been made," the statement concluded.

Elsewhere, President William Ruto has sent condolences to the families and Catholic community following the road accident.

The victims were from St. Mathias Mulumba Catholic Church, Mikindani Parish, and were travelling to the National Shrine in Subukia when the accident occurred.

In a statement on Saturday, October 3, Ruto mourned the victims and conveyed his condolences to those affected by the tragedy.

"Deeply saddened by the tragic loss of 17 pilgrims from St. Mathias Mulumba Catholic Church, Mikindani Parish, in a road accident at Salama while travelling to the National Shrine in Subukia for the National Prayer Day.

"Our heartfelt condolences go to the families, friends, parishioners and the entire Catholic community who are mourning this painful loss," he wrote.

Ruto extended his support to those affected by the accident and prayed for the recovery of those who survived.

"We stand with them in this difficult moment and pray that God grants them strength, comfort and peace. We also pray for the swift recovery of those injured in the accident. May the souls of the departed rest in eternal peace," he added.