Fuel ran out: Survivors recount horror as Makueni matatu accident claims 7 lives
Survivors of the Kalembwani accident in Makueni County that claimed seven lives have recounted the terrifying moments when a 46-seater matatu lost control and plunged into a valley late on Friday night, August 14, 2026. Seven passengers died at the scene, while 68 others sustained injuries and were rushed to various health facilities across the […]
Survivors of the tragic matatu accident in Kalembwani, Makueni County, have recounted the harrowing moments when a 46-seater vehicle lost control and tumbled into a valley on Friday night, August 14, 2026. Seven passengers lost their lives at the scene, while 68 others sustained injuries and were rushed to various health facilities across the county.
One survivor, Samuel Kisyang'a, explained that the vehicle ran out of fuel, rendering its lights inoperable and leaving the driver unable to see the road. Kisyang'a, who sustained injuries to his hand and leg, jumped out of the vehicle moments before it rolled down the steep hill. He blamed the driver for the crash, asserting that it could have been prevented.
The driver, Joseph Mumo, meanwhile, claimed the accident was caused by brake failure. He was admitted to the Makueni County Referral Hospital for treatment. Another survivor, Rose Mueni, who is receiving care for head and right-hand injuries at the same hospital, recounted the vehicle rolling down a steep hill and into the valley.
Mueni was unconscious when the accident happened but regained consciousness when emergency services arrived. She noted the crash occurred as the group approached their destination for a family function. At the Makueni County Referral Hospital, 37 patients have since been discharged with medication, while four patients remain admitted and are receiving treatment.
Dr Kelvin Maweu, the orthopaedic surgeon at the facility, confirmed these figures. Dr Harvey Mulei, the county health services chief officer, revealed that immediate action was taken after receiving reports of the crash. Four ambulances were dispatched to the scene, with 28 victims taken to Makueni Sub-County Hospital, a Level Four facility near the accident site, and the remaining 36 referred to the Referral Hospital.
The seven fatalities were confirmed at the scene. The accident has deeply affected the families who were travelling to the family function, transforming what was to be a celebratory occasion into a tragic event.
Written by urgent.news from People Daily Kenya's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
