Nine people died and six others were injured in a Friday morning accident in Gilgil, Kenya.

The local media reported that the accident which happened along Nairobi-Nakuru Highway involved a public service 14-seater vehicle and a truck. The two vehicles collided head-on near St Mary’s Hospital.

Area law enforcers have said the truck was overtaking another car before colliding with the public service vehicle.

 “Eight people died on the spot, while one who was in a critical state died while undergoing treatment,” said John Onditi, the Gilgil sub-county police commander.

According to the Kenyan regulations on enforcing COVID-19, PSVs (matatus) should carry less capacity to effect social distancing. But it appeared that ill-fated vehicle had stocked to full capacity contrary to the current rules.

“We are expecting management to record a statement with the police, to explain why they defied Covid-19 regulations,” said Onditi.

Those who suffered injuries were rushed to St Josephs and St Mary’s hospitals.