Gilgil, Kenya — Thousands of travellers were stranded on Friday after a truck overturned on the Nakuru-Nairobi highway, blocking traffic in both directions near Gilgil.

The crash occurred between Kikopey and St Mary’s, involving several vehicles. At the time of reporting, the number of casualties was still unclear, though witnesses said some passengers had been injured.

“The way is completely blocked, and there are a few people who are injured here. However, as it stands, there is completely no movement here,” one eyewitness told reporters.

Images and video shared from the scene showed long lines of vehicles stuck in the chilly weather, with buses, lorries and private cars all brought to a standstill. Police were called to the site to coordinate rescue efforts and manage traffic flow.

The truck, which was heading towards Nakuru, overturned and lay across the narrow highway, paralysing movement along one of Kenya’s busiest transport corridors. The highway connects Nairobi with western Kenya and carries both passengers and heavy cargo traffic.

In recent months, the road has seen a string of similar disruptions. On 17 August, a separate incident left hundreds stranded for hours, worsened by heavy rains that reduced visibility and further slowed traffic.

The government has promised relief through a long-delayed plan to expand the Nakuru-Nairobi and Rironi-Mau Summit highways under a public-private partnership. The project would include toll charges, a proposal that has drawn opposition from motorists’ associations.

For now, however, commuters are left to deal with the frequent gridlocks that have become a hallmark of the crucial route.