It has now been established that the Saturday night accident at Karai in Naivasha was caused by a bump that is not easily visible at night despite the existence of rumble strips a few meters away.

The tragedy occurred when the Uganda registered light truck lost control and veered into oncoming vehicles, according to Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph Nkaissery.

The truck ferrying Premium Bond – a highly flammable substance – rammed into 13 vehicles before an explosion that resulted in a fireball, killing 39 people.

The CS says an inquiry had been launched into the “unnecessary” accident. At least six people were admitted to hospital after the accident.

Nkaissery of the six injured, two were discharged while three are admitted to Kenyatta National Hospital and one at the Nairobi Hospital with serious burns.

Of the 39 lives lost there were 11 officers from the General Service Unit who provide protection to President Uhuru Kenyatta and other VIPs.

“So far, government and other agencies have removed bodies from the scene and efforts are underway to transfer the bodies to Chiromo Mortuary for identification. The government has already initiated an inquiry to establish all the circumstances surrounding the accident,” the CS said during a press briefing at Harambee House Sunday.

The road has since been cleared and traffic was flowing normally.

“As this is a national tragedy we appeal to all Kenyans to remain sensitive to the feelings of families affected, and refrain from posting images of the scene on the social media.”

Questions have been raised over visibility of the bumps that are said to have been erected on a steep area with the Transport Principal Secretary Irungu Nyakera saying they will be re-examined, to avoid such incidents in future.

“The bumps were put there because we had a number of accidents…we will look at the design of the bumps maybe they are sharper that they should be and we will look for a better we to do it,” he said.

President Kenyatta issued a message of condolence to the families of the bereaved including the young families of the gallant officers from the GSU.

“The President’s thoughts and prayers are with the families of those who have lost their lives. He joins all Kenyans in praying for the families affected, that they have the strength to overcome this tragedy,” a statement by State House spokesperson Manoah Esipisu said.

Deputy President William Ruto briefly visited the scene of the accident Sunday afternoon.

“May the departed souls rest in peace. I urge motorists to be cautious and adhere to traffic rules to avoid deaths, pain and suffering,” the Deputy President said.