Kiambu: Two people have been hospitalized in Kiambu after a lorry driver lost control due to brake failure and rammed into a private car at the Kirigiti stage junction on Wednesday morning.
According to Kenya News Agency, eyewitnesses reported that the lorry was descending from Kiambu town when it failed to stop at the busy junction, colliding with a private car that had halted to give way. The driver of the private car, a middle-aged woman, escaped without serious injuries but was taken to Kiambu Referral Hospital for medical attention. The lorry driver was also admitted for observation.
One of the residents, Samuel Karanja, who witnessed the accident, described the tense moment, stating that the lorry lost control due to brake failure and hit the private car waiting at the junction. The incident did not result in fatalities. The accident sparked concern among nearby traders and pedestrians, many of whom called for improved safety measures at the Kirigiti stage junction, a busy area between Kiambu town and surrounding estates.
Kiambu County traffic enforcement officer Martha Gitau confirmed the accident, urging drivers to remain vigilant. She noted that while most accidents in Kiambu town are not fatal, driver alertness is crucial to prevent such occurrences. Gitau mentioned that institutions like Kiambu Polytechnic College are contributing to road safety efforts, with plans to build a pedestrian pathway to protect students walking between the school and Kirigiti stage.
The accident has sparked renewed calls from residents for urgent interventions, including more speed bumps, traffic signals, and routine checks on heavy vehicles using the busy route. With Kiambu town's population and vehicle numbers increasing, locals emphasize the need for authorities to act to prevent minor accidents from escalating into major tragedies. Although both drivers were fortunate to avoid serious harm, the incident underscores the dangers of mechanical failures and the importance of regular vehicle maintenance.