A tragic accident on March 3, 2025, near Diani Beach, Kenya, has left two Italian tourists dead and several others injured. Marco Curcio, 39, from Milan, and Karen De Mozzi, 52, from Albiano, were traveling with four fellow countrymen when their bus overturned.
The group was reportedly having the time of their lives at one of Diani Beach's upscale resorts, famous for its stunning white sand and crystal-clear waters, located about 35 kilometers south of Mombasa, where direct charter flights from Italy arrive. Their holiday, sadly, took a disastrous turn when the bus they were on lost control during what appeared to be an overtaking maneuver.
According to reports from ANSA, Curcio died on impact, whereas De Mozzi tragically succumbed to her injuries shortly after being admitted to the hospital. The other passengers – which included both a father and his minor daughter who has since been discharged, along with another woman – suffered injuries but are reportedly out of danger. They were rushed to the hospital following the incident.
The local accident investigation has drawn attention to the dangerous driving conditions on Kenyan roads. Many of these roads are narrow and only two lanes wide, making them prone to fatal collisions. Local authorities suggest the accident was caused by the bus trying to overtake another vehicle when it was struck and rolled over.
Italian authorities have been quick to respond, with the Farnesina (the Italian foreign ministry) coordinating with the embassy and the honorary consulate to provide assistance to the affected tourists and their families. The embassy has activated support measures for the victims' families and survivors, reflecting the serious nature of the situation.
Road safety concerns are rampant across Kenya, and statistics paint a troubling picture. According to the World Health Organization and the Global Road Safety Facility, Kenya has one of the highest road traffic fatality rates, accounting for approximately 28 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants. The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) estimates between 3,000 to 4,000 people lose their lives on Kenyan roads each year, with tens of thousands sustaining injuries.
This tragic event is not isolated; other accidents have raised alarms about the safety of tourists traveling on the country's roads. Another notable incident involved Adelmo Blue Fornaciari, son of the famous Italian singer Zucchero, who survived unscathed but highlighted the perilous conditions faced by many travelers. A 79-year-old Milanese tourist, Antonella Bigliotto, also lost her life last December after her vehicle collided with a truck.
Last summer, four Sicilian tourists were badly injured when their safari vehicle overturned near Nakuru National Park, emphasizing the continued danger present for visitors exploring the Kenyan wilderness.
Calls for improved road conditions and safety measures are more urgent than ever. Both local road traffic authorities and the international community must address the existing concerns to safeguard the lives of residents and those who come to experience the beauty of Kenya.
This heartbreaking incident shines light on the need for enhanced safety protocols and strict regulations governing transportation for tourists, particularly as the country aims to maintain its reputation as one of Africa's prime travel destinations.
Authorities are still gathering all facts and have vowed to conduct thorough investigations to prevent any future tragedies like this one. Local law enforcement is working closely with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the respective tour operator to clarify the circumstances surrounding the accident.
The loss of Curcio and De Mozzi is not only felt by their families but by the broader community who strive to create safe environments for visitors, so tours can continue to operate without fear of such risks. The legacy of these victims compels both local and international stakeholders to confront the grim realities of road safety and enact meaningful changes.