At least 17 people have been killed in a Kenya road crash, with most of the victims Catholic pilgrims travelling to a prayer site.
The collision happened in Salama in the early hours of Saturday on a highway leading towards the port city of Mombasa.
Africanews, citing the Associated Press, reported that a minivan carrying 14 pilgrims and its driver collided with a truck.
Catholic pilgrims among victims
Justus Mwanzia, a member of the county assembly, said everyone travelling in the minivan was killed.
Three people travelling in the truck also died, bringing the reported death toll to at least 17.
The pilgrims were travelling to a prayer site in Nakuru County, west of Nairobi, according to Martin Kivuva, archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Mombasa.
Kivuva expressed grief over the deaths.
Authorities urge caution after Kenya road crash
The crash reportedly happened as the truck driver attempted to overtake another vehicle.
Kenya’s National Transport and Safety Authority urged motorists to avoid dangerous overtaking and follow lane discipline.
The authority described the section of road where the collision happened as a known accident “black spot”. It said recommendations had previously been made to improve safety there.
President William Ruto also offered condolences to the victims’ families, friends and the Catholic community.