15 people have died following a grisly accident at Tororo area along Mombasa-Malindi highway. Police reports say the accident occurred at 6.30 pm on Sunday.

A Mitsubishi FH lorry registration number KBG 772M travelling from Mombasa to Kilifi changed lanes obstructing an oncoming passenger matatu registration number KAV 036P.

This lead to a head-on collision, Coast Regional Police Commandant Rashid Yakub said.

Both drivers are among the 15 who died on the spot.

Other three surivivors were rushed to Kilifi District Hospital with serious injuries.

"The lorry was empty. Residents who saw the accident happen said it might have been having mechanical problems," Yakub said.

Initial police reports indicated that 9 people had died.

But subsequent update by Kilifi County Hospital Medical Superintendent Eddy Nzomo confirmed that 15 had died and three survivors were admitted.

Bodies have been taken to Kilifi Hospital mortuary awaiting autopsy.

Wreckage of the two vehicles have been towed to Kijipwa Police Station awaiting inspection.

Fatal road accidents have in the past left the country in shock, as questioned are raised on quality of vehicles on the roads, level of experience of drivers and enforcement of laws by traffic officers.