A family in Makueni County is in mourning after a high school student died on the spot while another sustained serious injuries following a grisly road accident at Muatini area along the busy Kibwezi–Kitui Highway.
The tragic incident occurred on Wednesday afternoon as students were heading home for the mid-term break.
According to eyewitnesses, the two learners were crossing the road at Muatini Shopping Centre when they were knocked down by a speeding trailer.
One of the students succumbed to the impact instantly, his life cut short in a moment that has left residents in shock and grief. The second victim suffered serious injuries and was rushed to Amref Health Africa hospital in Kibwezi, where he is currently receiving treatment.
The body of the deceased has been moved to Makindu Funeral Home pending identification and postmortem.
The Kibwezi–Kitui Highway, which connects parts of Kitui County and Makueni, has in recent years witnessed a rising number of road accidents, with speeding and reckless driving cited as major causes.
Residents have repeatedly called on authorities to install speed bumps and enhance traffic enforcement, especially near river crossings and learning institutions.
The accident has once again sparked concerns over road safety during school holidays, a period often marked by increased travel as students return home.
Police have launched investigations into the incident as the community calls for urgent measures to curb speeding and protect pedestrians along the highway.
