The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has announced the temporary closure of a section of the busy Nairobi Southern Bypass for vehicles that are bound for Ole Sereni following an accident that occurred on the morning of Friday, April 24.
According to a notice by the road agency, the section has been closed in the area between Thogoto and Dagoretti interchanges near Karinde.
At the same time, motorists have been warned to brace for traffic delays along the affected section, with KeNHA advising that they plan their journeys as a multiagency team of emergency responders works to ensure that normalcy returns.
“The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) wishes to notify motorists that the Nairobi Southern Bypass (Ole Sereni-bound), between Thogoto and Dagoretti Interchanges near Karinde, has been temporarily closed following a road traffic accident earlier this morning,” read part of the notice.
“Traffic delays are expected along the affected section, and motorists are advised to plan their journeys accordingly.”
Owing to the disruption, KeNHA has advised motorists to consider using the Kikuyu-Mutuini-Dagoretti (C63 Road) as an alternative and to cooperate with traffic marshals and enforcement officers on the section.
“KeNHA assures all road users that we are working around the clock to restore normal traffic flow and ensure the safety of motorists.”
Reports indicate the disruption was caused by an accident involving two long-distance trucks along the busy Gitaru stretch.
Preliminary accounts suggest a lorry that had broken down by the roadside was struck from behind by another truck, with early indications pointing to brake failure as the likely cause of the collision.
At the same time, one person has died while another sustained serious injuries in the crash.
The deceased was reported to have been a mechanic who was working on the stalled lorry at the time of the impact.
Images and videos obtained by Uzalendo News showed major traffic snarl-ups on both sections of the outbound and incoming traffic, as emergency rescues worked to clear the road section.
