KERICHO, Kenya, June 10 (Xinhua) -- At least five people were killed and several others injured in a grisly road accident along the busy Nakuru-Kericho road in northwest Kenya early Sunday.

Lodiani divisional police commander Joseph Odipo confirmed the 6:30 a.m. incident at Londiani area after a commuter minibus (matatu) collided with a truck.

Odipo said the matatu was heading to Nakuru while the truck was moving towards Kericho. "Five passengers lost their lives on the spot while seven were seriously injured."

The local police commander said the drivers of the two vehicles were among those who sustained serious injuries, noting that that the circumstances that led to the collision could not be established immediately.

"Many accidents have occurred at this area. It is a known black spot where speeding, overtaking and careless driving are the major causes of accidents," said Odipo, who advised road users, especially those driving at night, to be cautious and observe traffic rules.

Road accidents still continue to occur despite stringent traffic rules which were introduced by the government to help curb road carnage.

An estimated 3,000 Kenyans die in road accidents annually despite concerted efforts by the state and the private sector to promote safety on the highways, according to the National Transport Safety Authority (NTSA).