A bus has been set ablaze by residents along Thika Road after allegedly the driver ran over and killed a pedestrian.

Reports indicate the accident happened along Thika Road near Juja town when the 33-seater matatu lost control and hit the victim, who died instantly.

Videos from the scene captured the vehicle burning fiercely as bystanders watched from a safe distance.

Videos circulating online show thick black smoke billowing out of the burning bus as bystanders watched.

Traffic along the highway was temporarily stopped as motorists slowed down to witness the unfolding chaos.

Police officers from Juja Police Station and firefighters from Kiambu County reached the scene and put out the fire and cleared the crowd.

The burnt remains of the matatu were pulled off and investigators recorded the incident.

Authorities have launched investigations into both the accident and the arson attack.

A senior traffic police officer at the scene urged road users to stay calm and avoid taking law into their own hands noting that mob justice can only result to more tragic cases.

The identity of the deceased pedestrian has not yet been confirmed as police continue making efforts to find his family.

This accident is part of a worrying trend of rising cases of road accidents and public outcry along major highways in Kenya.

Traffic safety agencies have been urging the government to enforce the traffic regulations and pedestrian safety measures especially around towns like Juja and Ruiru.

More to follow…