A tragic car accident on the Nairobi Expressway has killed one person while leaving several others, included a toll attendant seriously wounded on Saturday night.
Confirming the incident, Athi River base commander Agnes Makau said the accident occurred at the Mlolongo toll station after several vehicles rammed into each other while piling up to be cleared.
The 27-kilometre four- lane carriageway is built along the median strips of Mombasa Road, Waiyaki Way and Uhuru Highway and is President Uhuru Kenyatta’s signature projects.
The dual carriageway has 11 interchanges at Mlolongo, Standard Gauge Railway, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Eastern Bypass, Southern Bypass, Capital Centre, Haile Selassie Avenue, Museum Hill, Westlands, and James Gichuru Road.
The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) explained that the accident was caused by a motorist driving at neck-breaking speed while approaching the exit.
“The motorist crashed into the Toll Plaza and ran over other vehicles that were being cleared to exit. Consequently the vehicle knocked one toll booth and injured a toll attendant and other motorists.”
Those who sustained injuries have been rushed to hospital for medical attention, KeNHA added, “The affected exit booth has been closed. Motorists are advised to avoid over speeding and be cautious while on the road. Road Safety starts with you.”
KeNHA adds that the toll road managers are considering measures to forestall future reoccurrence. Motorists pay between Sh100 to Sh1500 to ply the road.