Multiple Injuries After Lorry Hits Bus Near Safari Park on Thika Road

Several people were injured on Monday morning after a lorry rammed into a passenger bus near Safari Park along Thika Road, causing a major traffic disruption on one of Nairobi’s busiest highways. The accident occurred during the peak rush hour when the road was packed with commuters heading into the city. Witnesses said the impact was sudden and loud, drawing the attention of motorists and pedestrians nearby as vehicles came to a standstill.

According to preliminary reports from police and emergency responders, the lorry was travelling toward the city when it collided with the rear of a bus that had slowed down due to traffic congestion near the Safari Park footbridge area. The force of the crash pushed the bus forward, causing panic among passengers and other road users. Several people inside the bus sustained injuries of varying degrees, while the driver of the lorry was also reported to have been hurt.

Good Samaritans, traffic officers, and rescue teams quickly moved to assist the victims. Passengers who were able to walk were helped out of the bus, while those more seriously injured were carefully removed and placed into ambulances. Emergency services transported the injured to nearby hospitals, including Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital, where they received treatment. Hospital officials later confirmed that most of the victims were in stable condition.

The accident caused a heavy traffic snarl-up stretching several kilometers in both directions of Thika Road. Motorists heading toward the city experienced long delays, with some opting to use alternative routes through residential areas to bypass the congestion. Traffic police were deployed to manage the situation and redirect vehicles as the wreckage was cleared from the road. By mid morning, normal traffic flow had not yet fully resumed, forcing many commuters to arrive late at work or school.

Witnesses at the scene described a chaotic situation immediately after the crash. Some said the bus passengers were thrown forward by the sudden impact, while others held onto seats and rails to avoid falling. Several bystanders rushed to the scene to help before emergency services arrived. A number of passengers were seen sitting by the roadside receiving first aid as they waited for ambulances.

Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the crash. Early indications suggest that the lorry driver may have failed to maintain a safe following distance, especially in heavy traffic conditions. Police officers at the scene also examined the condition of both vehicles as part of routine procedures. Officials said they would review witness statements and any available traffic camera footage to establish responsibility.

Road safety concerns have once again been raised following the incident, particularly along Thika Road, which is known for heavy traffic and high speeds during off peak hours. Experts have often warned that sudden braking in congested areas can lead to rear end collisions, especially when large commercial vehicles are involved. The size and weight of lorries make it harder for them to stop quickly, increasing the risk of severe impacts.

Commuters and residents in the area have called for stricter enforcement of traffic rules, including speed limits and safe driving practices for heavy vehicles. Some also urged authorities to improve traffic management during peak hours to reduce congestion related accidents. Others pointed to the need for drivers to remain alert at all times, particularly on busy highways where conditions can change quickly.

By late morning, towing services had begun removing the damaged vehicles from the road, allowing traffic to gradually ease. Police advised motorists to drive carefully and maintain safe distances to avoid similar incidents. They also reminded drivers to exercise patience during rush hour, noting that aggressive driving often contributes to accidents.

While no fatalities were immediately reported, the incident served as a reminder of the dangers that road users face daily on major highways. Families of those injured gathered at hospitals seeking updates, while some commuters who witnessed the crash expressed shock at how quickly a routine morning journey turned into an emergency.

Authorities have assured the public that a full report will be released once investigations are complete. In the meantime, they continue to urge all drivers to observe traffic laws and prioritize safety to prevent further accidents on the country’s roads.