AT least 48 people lost their lives in a devastating accident when a truck reportedly lost control and crashed into other vehicles and pedestrians at a busy junction in western Kenya. The tragic incident occurred on the highway between the towns of Kericho and Nakuru on Friday night, leaving a trail of destruction and sorrow.
Geoffrey Mayek, the local police commander, confirmed the grim toll, saying, ‘So far we can confirm 48 dead, and we are suspecting one or two are still trapped under the truck.’ He also informed that 30 others had been seriously injured and taken to various hospitals, with the possibility of the death toll rising.
According to eyewitness acc
ounts, the truck was driving at high speed and appeared to lose control, ploughing into local minibuses (matatus) that were parked at a bus stop. The truck tragically ran over the matatus and injured both passengers and pedestrians waiting at the stop. The mangled wreckage of several vehicles was seen at the accident site, known as Londiani junction, as rescue efforts faced challenges due to heavy rains.
Survivors recounted the terrifying scene, with one witness, Maureen Jepkoech, describing the truck’s high-speed approach and attempts to avoid other vehicles before the catastrophic collision. She expressed her relief at having escaped the tragedy, while others were not as fortunate. ‘All I can say is that I am lucky to be alive because I saw what happened, and I am alive because I ran,’ she said, adding, ‘I have seen a very bad scene, bodies and blood all over. So many people are dead.’
Joel Rotich, another witness, recalled the accident unfolding rapidly, leaving people with little time to escape. He mentioned the initial confusion and panic as everyone tried to comprehend the horrifying situation before helping the injured.
The accident
has further highlighted the rising number of fatalities on Kenyan roads in recent years, as per government statistics. The local authorities and medical facilities have been mobilized to respond to the tragedy and provide assistance to the victims and their families.
Kericho governor Erick Mutai expressed his grief and condolences on social media, acknowledging the dark moment for the people of Kericho. ‘My heart goes out to the families who have just lost their loved ones,’ he said, stressing the prompt mobilisation of ambulances and standby health facilities to aid those affected by the devastating accident.
