A Kenyan athlete lost his life after a vehicle he was travelling in was involved in a grisly road accident on Monday night.

Francis Kiplagat Lagat who was aboard an 11 seater North Rift Matatu died in the accident that occurred at Kikopey along the Eldoret-Nakuru highway.

The Organizing Secretary of the Professional Athletes Association of Kenya (PAAK) Julius Ndegwa who spoke to Citizen Digital confirmed his death, adding that Lagat and others had travelled to Nairobi for their Visas.

The accident which involved the North Rift shuttle and a lorry has so far claimed six lives.

POLICE

According to Gilgil OCPD Sarah Koki, the accident occurred after one lorry developed brake failure and it hit the matatu from the rear causing a smash-up with six Lorries which were all heading towards Nakuru.

All casualties were taken to St Mary’s hospital before they were later referred to Nakuru Level-Five Hospital.