A devastating accident on Friday resulted in the death of at least one person after a trailer carrying several vehicles veered off the road and plunged into a ditch along the Mai Mahiu escarpment.

The tragic incident occurred as the truck was negotiating a treacherous curve near Mai Mahiu, police reports confirmed.

Eyewitnesses on the scene described a harrowing series of events, noting that the driver appeared to struggle with steering as the trailer navigated the winding, C-shaped turn.

Despite apparent attempts to regain control, the heavy vehicle ultimately lost balance and tumbled approximately 60 metres down the steep escarpment, leaving the surrounding area in shock.

Emergency responders were swiftly dispatched to the scene after the accident was reported, alongside local police who worked to manage the situation.

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Residents and passers-by, alerted by the commotion, rushed to assist, but the steep terrain complicated rescue efforts.

Tragically, one individual succumbed to injuries at the site. Authorities are working to identify the victim and notify the next of kin.

Search and rescue teams were forced to battle the rugged conditions as they navigated the slope to reach the overturned vehicle.

The challenging environment delayed their efforts to access the wreckage and assess whether any survivors could be pulled from the site.

Police have launched a formal investigation to determine the exact cause of the crash.

While driver error is suspected, officers are also examining other potential factors, such as the vehicle’s condition and road conditions at the time of the accident.

Eyewitness accounts are expected to play a key role in piecing together the moments leading up to the incident, while authorities have also indicated they may review traffic camera footage and data from the vehicle’s onboard systems to gather further insights.

“Further updates will be provided as the situation develops and more details emerge,” police said, hinting that a full report will be made available once more information is obtained.



Expert Insights on Preventing Road Accidents

In light of the accident, road safety experts have reiterated the importance of comprehensive journey management to prevent similar tragedies.

Owuor Otet, founder of Road Safety and Safe Driving Practice and a senior consultant in accident investigations, stressed the role of a Journey Management Plan (JMP) in ensuring safe travel, particularly for long trips and high-risk routes.

“A Journey Management Plan (JMP) is a detailed strategy designed to ensure safe travel for individuals or groups, particularly in the context of safer journeys, long trips, or high-risk travel environments.

It includes assessing potential risks, planning the safest routes, and defining actions to be taken in case of emergencies,” Otet explained.

He went on to outline key elements of a JMP, such as thorough route planning, vehicle safety checks, time management, and clear emergency protocols.

According to Otet, by addressing these factors, JMPs can significantly reduce road carnage and improve overall safety for drivers.

“By addressing these factors, Journey Management Plans significantly reduce the risk of accidents, contributing to lower road carnage and improved safety for road users,” he concluded.

Alasiri Motors, a local vehicle dealer, has emphasised the critical importance of proper transport arrangements for vehicles.

They advise that anyone using a carrier should ensure that a contract of carriage is signed with the transporter.

This agreement outlines the responsibilities and liabilities of both parties during the transportation process.

Furthermore, they recommend securing a Goods in Transit policy that provides comprehensive coverage in case of any eventualities, thereby protecting the vehicle during transit.

"Take a single transit Goods in transit - All risks cover to cover your car against road Perils," Alasiri Motors said.

For those acting as carriers, obtaining a carrier’s liability cover is essential, as it protects against legal liabilities for accidental loss or damage to goods in their custody while being transported by road, rail, or other specified means.

Alasiri Motors highlights that these precautions are vital, as disputes over liability often arise.

"If the owner of the goods took a Goods in transit cover and their insurance pays them, the insurance company will obviously recover the payment from the carrier through a recovery from carrier's clause in the Goods in transit policy. Such matters are mostly settled in courts of law," the dealer stated.

As the investigation continues, authorities are urging drivers, especially those navigating challenging routes, to adhere to safety guidelines and ensure their vehicles are in optimal condition to prevent avoidable accidents.