Makueni accident: Witnesses share final moments before matatu plunged into gorge, killing 7

Seven people were tragically killed and over 30 others injured when a 46-seater matatu carrying a dowry procession crashed near Kalembwani in Makueni County. The victims, all men and one woman, were en route from Mbongoni in Kibwezi to attend the bride's wedding when the vehicle veered off the main road and plummeted down a steep incline, crashing into rocks.

Witness Justus Mbiku recounted that the matatu had deviated from the main road before plummeting down a treacherous stretch of terrain and coming to rest among the rocks. He explained, "I was in a family area in this region. They were coming with their daughter and people from Mbongoni in Kibwezi. Tragedy struck because the vehicle had left the main road and tumbled down from here, meter 400, onto the ground."

Another eyewitness stated that the vehicle lost control shortly after a diversion, with the slippery conditions making it challenging for the driver to regain control. "Regrettably, meters away from the diversion, the vehicle's control was lost, according to the eyewitnesses. The terrain was sloppy, it went off the road, and it ended up in the water near the stream," they reported.

Makueni County's Health Services Chief Officer, Dr Harvey Mulei, swiftly mobilized four ambulances upon receiving reports of the accident. "Reports of an accident at Kalembwani reached us, and we acted immediately," Dr Mulei reported. Of the injured, 28 were taken to Makueni Sub-County Hospital, a Level Four facility near the crash site, while 36 were transported to Makueni County Referral Hospital.

Tragically, seven lives were lost at the scene, with no further fatalities reported after the victims reached the hospitals, and none requiring intensive care.

Most of the survivors sustained fractures to their limbs and ribs, while the majority dealt with soft-tissue injuries. By the time of the latest update, most had been treated and discharged from Makueni Sub-County Hospital, with only four patients remaining admitted at Makueni County Referral Hospital. All of these were in stable condition, with none in danger or requiring ICU services. Dr Mulei praised the community's quick response, crediting the early alert to emergency teams for saving many lives.