Several Feared Dead After Lorry Rams Into Vehicles in Meru

Several people are feared dead after a lorry reportedly lost its brakes and rammed into vehicles and boda boda operators in the Riverland area of Meru town on the night of Thursday, October 8, 2026.

According to preliminary reports, the lorry was travelling from Makutano when it reportedly lost control and crashed into pedestrians and several vehicles near Rubis petrol station in Meru County.

Following the crash, emergency teams rushed to the scene to rescue victims, including people reportedly trapped beneath the lorry.

Meanwhile, responders took some injured victims to hospital for treatment, although authorities had not established the exact number of casualties.

Lindah Kiome Confirms Meru Accident

In response to the tragedy, Meru Deputy Governor Lindah Kiome Gitonga confirmed the accident in a statement shared on her Facebook page.

She also expressed condolences to bereaved families and wished those injured a full recovery.

“It is with deep sorrow that I have learnt of the tragic accident in the Riverland area of Meru Municipality. My heartfelt condolences go out to the families who have lost their loved ones, and to everyone affected by this heart-breaking incident. To those who have sustained injuries, I wish you a speedy and full recovery,” she said.

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Emergency Teams Respond

Meanwhile, Gitonga said the county had deployed emergency response teams to assist victims and provide urgent assistance.

“Our emergency response teams, including Health, Special Programmes, and Fire and Rescue Services, are on the ground working to save lives and provide urgent assistance,” she said.

At the scene, rescue teams continued working to reach those affected by the crash and provide assistance to victims who needed urgent attention.

However, Gitonga did not disclose the exact number of people killed or injured.

Appeal for Calm

As rescue operations continued, Gitonga urged members of the public to remain calm, avoid obstructing emergency teams, and rely on verified information.

“I appeal to everyone to remain calm, allow emergency teams to work without obstruction, and rely only on verified information,” she said.

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Beyond the appeal, she prayed for comfort for families mourning their loved ones, healing for those injured in the crash and strength for the emergency responders.

She also prayed for the peaceful rest of those who lost their lives.

Authorities were yet to provide a confirmed breakdown of the fatalities and injuries at the time of publication.

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A collage photo of the vehicle which was crashed by a lorry at the Riverland area of Meru town on the night of Thursday, October 8, 2026, and Meru Deputy governor Lindah Gitonga at the hospital after taking those injured for medication. PHOTO/ Lindah Gitonga Facebook