Seventeen Catholic pilgrims from St Matthias Mulumba Parish were involved in a multi-vehicle crash at Salama in Makueni County early Saturday morning on their way to the National Prayer Day in Subukia, Nakuru County. The collision, which involved a number of vehicles, occurred at approximately 12:05 am on Mlima Kiu in Nairobi-Mombasa Highway. Several persons were injured and rushed to Sultan Hamud Sub County Hospital for treatment.

Makueni County Commissioner Abdullahi Khalif confirmed the death of 17 people and the Archdiocese of Mombasa identified the deceased as members of St Matthias Mulumba Catholic Church in Mikindani.

“We are much sad to report the unfortunate death of seventeen (17) pilgrims from St. Mathias Mulumba Mikindani who died in an accident that occurred in Salama,” Archbishop Martin Kivuva Musonde said.

Police are investigating the cause of the accident but according to police, a truck which was in the process of overtaking a vehicle on its left changed direction and ran over the Toyota Hiace matatu carrying the pilgrims.

The matatu driver and twelve (12) passengers died immediately after the impact. The driver of the truck and three (3) other passengers also died in the collision, bringing the number of those who died to 17. The mangled vehicles are currently at the Salama Police Station for inspection while the bodies of the deceased will be taken to Sultan Hamud Sub County Hospital mortuary for post-mortem examination.

National Transport and Safety Authority has sent a multi-disciplinary-crash investigation team to work with police in uncovering the truth.

“However, in the meantime, while investigations are underway for the crash, I urge all drivers in the country to drive safely and avoid dangerous overtaking,” National Transport and Safety Authority director general Nashon Kondiwa said.

The pilgrims were on their way to the National Shrine in Subukia for the National Prayer Day being held this year for the first time in Nakuru County. The day is set aside for all well-wishers of the Catholic faith countrywide to come together in prayer. Archbishop Kivuva has asked Catholics to pray for the departed souls and their families.

“Let us pray for the repose of these souls as we pray for their family, St. Mathias Mulumba Parish and the Archdiocese at large, so that we can find comfort in the Lord,” Archbishop Kivuva added.

Police are still investigating the cause of the accident that resulted in the death of 17 persons. They are yet to determine who is responsible for the 40 person injuries and the destruction of vehicles.