The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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On Tuesday, investigators disclosed that the car involved in the tragic accident that claimed the lives of World Marathon record holder Kelvin Kiptum and his Rwandan coach Gervais Hakizamana exhibited no mechanical faults.
Elgeyo Marakwet Police Commander Peter Mulinge stated that a mechanical examination conducted on Kelvin Kiptum’s Toyota Premio over Monday and Tuesday affirmed the vehicle’s mechanical soundness in all aspects.
“The examiner reported no indications of mechanical issues prior to the accident, signifying that the vehicle was in good condition, including its brakes, tires, and lights,” Mr. Mulinge informed Nation Sport on Tuesday evening.
While ruling out mechanical malfunctions, other aspects of the accident investigation remain ongoing, he added.
According to the police report, Kiptum was driving his Toyota Premio with two passengers, Gervais and a female identified as Sharon Kosgey, when the accident occurred around 11 pm near Flax center in the Kaptagat area along the Eldoret-Ravine Road from the Eldoret side.
Keiyo South Sub-County police boss Dahir Abdullahi also confirmed on Tuesday that preliminary findings from mechanical investigators discounted any mechanical issues with the vehicle, hinting instead at potential high-speed impact as a contributing factor.
“The vehicle was deemed to be in good condition based on the assessment report,” he stated.
A joint team comprising investigators from the National Transport Safety Authority (NTSA), the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), and the police are overseeing the probe, with the NTSA Road Strategy Safety Manager informing Nation Sport that the investigation involves road auditors examining the terrain and road condition alongside motor vehicle inspectors assessing the vehicle’s mechanical state.
While the team continues to piece together the sequence of events leading to the tragic accident since Monday, additional clues are expected from post-mortem reports of both the athlete and his coach, as well as witness accounts from the scene.
“The inspection report by experts could provide valuable insights. However, we must complete the investigations to ascertain the full picture. At this point, the gathered information is insufficient to draw definitive conclusions,” Mr. Mulinge emphasized on Monday evening.
“The comprehensive doctor’s post-mortem report will shed more light, giving us a clearer understanding once we receive the complete investigation report,” he added.
Sources close to Kiptum and his coach revealed that they had been watching an English Premier League match between Manchester United and Aston Villa on Sunday evening. Interviews with friends on Tuesday indicated that they may have been en route to Small Town Chepkorio center along the Eldoret-Ravine road to watch the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final after viewing the EPL game in Eldoret.
