At least 13 people were killed and three others injured in a road accident early Saturday in eastern Kenya.

Traffic police commandant Charlton Mureithi said the accident occurred when a minibus (matatu) plunged into a river on Machakos- Kitui road.

"Thirteen people died while 3 others were injured in the road accident. The injured who include one of the drivers have been rushed to the hospital," Mureithi told Xinhua.

He said the deceased were headed for a dowry ceremony. Local police boss Joseph Mugo said among the dead included three children who died instantly.

"The accident occurred when the 14-seater matatu lost control and plunged into the river. The passengers were reported to have been traveling for a pre-wedding event," Mugo said.

Despite the latest accident, government officials said accidents have been on the decrease in Kenya this year due to the introduction of stringent traffic rules.

According to the Kenya police, more than three quarters of those killed through road accidents are males and about half are children. Fifty-seven percent are vulnerable road users – motor cyclists, pedestrians and cyclists.

A humanitarian agency recently launched highway emergency rescue centers to help reduce rising road accidents in various parts of the East African nation.

The Highway Emergency Rescue Project (HERP) set up by St John Ambulance Kenya are manned by community volunteers who live or work nearby and have been trained in first aid, emergency response and firefighting.