A tragic road accident along the Tala–Oldonyo Sabuk Road in Katangini area, Matungulu Sub-county has left one man dead and another nursing serious injuries after a pick-up truck they were travelling in overturned and crashed into a maize plantation on the evening of Thursday, July 3, 2025.
The ill-fated vehicle, which was transporting ballast, is reported to have hit a large pothole, triggering a tyre burst that caused the driver to lose control. According to eyewitnesses, the pick-up rolled several times before coming to rest in a nearby field.
Tragically, both victims had been riding at the back of the pick-up, and were thrown off during the violent crash. One of the men died on the spot, while the other was rushed to Kangundo Level 4 Hospital, where he is currently undergoing treatment.
Police officers from Tala Police Station responded swiftly to the scene, where they documented the incident, moved the deceased’s body to Patjud Mortuary in Nguluni, and had the vehicle wreckage towed for inspection and further investigation.
A police officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that investigations are underway to determine the exact cause of the accident and whether any negligence or mechanical failure contributed to the tragic outcome.
Residents in the area quickly gathered at the scene, expressing sorrow and frustration over the increasing number of accidents along the busy stretch. Many locals blamed the poor state of the road, citing the dangerous potholes and lack of proper safety measures, such as speed bumps and warning signage, which they believe could help prevent similar tragedies.
“We’ve lost too many lives on this road,” one resident lamented. “The government must step in, repair the road, and make it safer for motorists and passengers alike.”
As the community mourns the sudden loss, the incident has reignited calls for urgent infrastructure upgrades and stricter enforcement of transport safety rules — especially regarding passenger handling on commercial vehicles.
The identity of the deceased was yet to be officially confirmed at the time of reporting.
