Four people died on Wednesday while 14 others were seriously injured when the vehicle they were travelling in was involved in an accident in Munyu on Garissa Road.
Two people died instantly while two others died on arrival at the hospital. The injured were taken to Thika Level Five Hospital.
The accident occurred after a speeding lorry that was heading towards Makongeni transporting cereals to Madaraka Market from Matuu rammed into the matatu that was headed for Kitui.
Thika sub-county traffic base commander Ms Appeles Chacha said the matatu had overloaded as it was carrying 18 passengers instead of the recommended 14 passengers.
Chacha said that the speeding lorry lost control and rammed into the matatu causing the lorry to overturn. The accident caused a heavy traffic jam on the Garissa Road that extended to Thika town.
“Police officers had a tough time retrieving the bodies and the wreckage due to the traffic congestion but fortunately we have been able to bring things back to normal,” she said.
She said the driver of the lorry was unhurt adding he escaped after the accidents. Chacha said police are pursuing him. The lorry is being held at Makongeni Police Station.
Doctors in Thika Level Five Hospital are still on a go slow. Students from Kenya Medical Training College had to attend to the casualties.
The traffic commander has been under pressure for the last three weeks with over 30 people dying from accidents in Thika town and its environs.