A car careened off Mbagathi Road in Nairobi and ended up engulfed in flames on a pedestrian footbridge near the Riara University turn-off at approximately 6am on Saturday, July 7, leaving residents and motorists stunned. The car burst into flames after going halfway through the footbridge. Photo: Sikika Road Safety. Source: Facebook Witnesses at the scene claimed the vehicle appeared to have left the road, driven up the stairs of the elevated footbridge and come to a stop partway down the structure before catching fire. Videos circulating on social media showed the car lying on its side, halfway along the footbridge stairs, as flames consumed the wreckage and bystanders gathered at a distance. One person present during the incident said a police officer was calling for assistance while trying to pull a passenger free from inside the burning vehicle, but was unable to reach them.
The footage, widely shared online, also captured other motorists stopping and members of the public watching from nearby as emergency responders later arrived to coordinate operations. Social media posts claimed three people were inside the car when it crashed and that all of them perished in the fire. However, authorities had not publicly confirmed either the number of occupants or any fatalities by the time of the publication. Police indicated they would investigate the cause of the crash and work to establish how the vehicle left the road and ended up on the raised footbridge. The circumstances of the accident remained unclear. How Kenyans reacted to Raila Odinga Road crash The incident drew a flood of responses on social media, with many Kenyans alternating between dark humour and genuine shock. While many comments pointed to alcohol or excessive speed as likely factors, others urged caution, noting that multiple explanations remained plausible until investigators released their findings.
@Mannley Muryuks: “Pombe!… It’s Friday na gari inajua nyumbani!” @Sue Evans: “Kwani ilikuwa na mabawa?” @Håløwéêñ Såiñt: “He refuelled using Red Bull… the car was given wiiiiiings.” @Emanuel M Mwangangi: “Kwani waliweka fuel ya jet… juu how now?” @Dickie Maina: “There could be other factors besides a drunk driver. Maybe a ball joint came off, a front tyre burst, a sober designated driver was rushing drunk passengers, someone inside grabbed the steering wheel, or the car had been carjacked. There are many possible scenarios, although speed was definitely involved.” @Albert Ze Igandu: “The reason why I support speed cameras on all roads in Nairobi.” @Makena Mugambi: “Comments… mlisema huruma ibaki tu estate. Waaatu.” Police arrive at the accident scene along Raila Odinga Road.
