Multi-Vehicle Crash Blocks Mai Mahiu Escarpment Road

A multi-vehicle crash completely blocked the Mai Mahiu Escarpment Road on Tuesday morning, causing heavy traffic along the busy A8 South corridor. Witnesses said the collision occurred at a sharp bend and involved two trucks and a private car. One truck toppled onto its side and landed on a Toyota Premio.

Images and videos from the scene show extensive damage, with the trucks reduced to mangled wreckage and debris strewn across both lanes. Several people were reportedly trapped inside the vehicles. Bystanders joined rescue efforts as emergency responders worked to clear the site.

One of the trucks was transporting sand and other construction materials. Its front cabin was completely crushed. It remains unclear whether the truck was descending the escarpment at the time of the crash. Authorities had not issued an official statement by mid-morning.

Motorists were advised to use alternative routes. Options include the Nairobi-Kinangop-Naivasha route via the Old Nakuru Highway through Limuru, Kimende and Njabini. The Suswa-Ewaso Kedong-Ngong Road remains passable for light vehicles, while Kijabe Road offers another option though it is often congested.

The Mai Mahiu stretch forms a key section of the Northern Corridor linking Nairobi to the Rift Valley and western Kenya. It also connects to the Mai Mahiu-Narok Road. Long-distance travellers heading west can consider the Nyeri-Nyahururu-Nakuru corridor or the Thika-Magumu-Njabini-Ol Kalou-Dundori-Lanet route.

At the time of reporting, it was unclear whether the accident had claimed any lives. Police and rescue teams continued efforts to free those trapped and restore traffic flow.