At least four people were killed and roughly 16 injured when a lorry carrying compost manure lost control and collided with pedestrians, motorcyclists and several vehicles on Meru‑Nkubu Road.

The accident occurred around 9 p.m. on Thursday, 8 October, in the River Land area as the lorry descended a steep slope toward Nkubu, police said.

Police reported that the vehicle, traveling from Makutano to Nkubu, suffered brake failure, causing it to surge downhill uncontrollably.

The out‑of‑control lorry first struck a stationary Toyota matatu, then hit pedestrians and motorcyclists standing by the roadside before colliding with two Toyota Sienta cars and overturning onto its left side.

The victims who died were identified as 29‑year‑old Kassim Kimathi, Elias Makarina, Brian Muthuri and an unnamed adult woman, according to police and eyewitnesses.

Around 16 injured persons were rushed to Meru Level Five Hospital for medical care, while the deceased were taken to the hospital mortuary pending post‑mortem examinations.

Traffic officers from Meru, together with the Imenti North Sub‑County Police Commander, arrived at the scene, coordinated rescue efforts and arranged for the damaged motorcycles and vehicles to be towed to the police station yard for inspection.