Over 55 People Feared Dead, Several Others Hospitalised After Accident At Londiani Junction- Details HERE
Over 55 People Feared Dead, Several Others Hospitalised After Accident At Londiani Junction- Details HERE
Western Kenya: More than 55 people are feared dead and several others hospitalised in Kericho County following a tragic accident that occurred at Londiani junction on Friday evening.
The 6.30pm accident occurred after a truck lost control, running over pedestrians, business people and matatus which were parked by the roadside.
The truck was heading to Kericho before it lost control and veered off the road, ramming into tens of hawkers who were busy along the Nakuru-Kericho highway.
Footage of the accident’s aftermath carried by local broadcasters showed the twisted wreckages of cars and motorbikes alongside damaged minibuses and trucks.
Regional police commander Tom Odera said the death toll stood at 48 on Friday evening.
“I saw a speeding oncoming trailer. I swerved and escaped hitting him head-on. The person who was behind me thought I wanted to buy something. He overtook me and that is when he was hit. The trailer went off the road and hit other vehicles,” said Peter Otieno, a driver.
“I saw about 20 bodies with my own eyes. There were other bodies that were under the vehicle.
The Kenya Red Cross said the lorry rammed more than six vehicles and ran over pedestrians. More than 20 casualties were taken to local hospitals, the Red Cross said.
While responding to the incident, Kericho Governor Erick Mutai Kipkoech sent his condolence message to the victims’ families, urging the area residents to remain calm.
“We have mobilised our ambulances and asked all our health facilities to be alert. May God give us grace and strength on this difficult time,” Mutai assured that the situation was under control.
(With Inputs From Agencies)