Seven people have been confirmed dead following a road accident at Inyoni Village in Ikangavya Sub-Location, Kalamba Sub-Ward, Makueni Constituency.

The minibus, commonly known as a Nidhamu, reportedly lost control while navigating the hilly Kalembwani terrain before rolling several times down a steep hillside.

The victims were reportedly travelling from Nthongoni in Kibwezi East Constituency to Ikangavya to attend a dowry payment ceremony and related celebrations. The vehicle is said to have been carrying about 50 passengers, although the exact number of occupants had not been established.

Seven people died at the scene, while several others sustained injuries. Emergency responders managed to extricate those trapped in the wreckage before evacuating the survivors to hospital.

The Makueni County Emergency Response Unit, Department of Health and Kenya Red Cross Makueni Branch deployed three ambulances and a County Emergency Land Cruiser to support the rescue operation.

The injured were rushed to Makueni County Referral Hospital for assessment and treatment.

Meanwhile, families in Nthongoni have gathered at the Chief’s Office as they await updates and seek to establish the whereabouts and condition of their loved ones.

The accident has cast a pall over what was expected to be a joyous family celebration.