Tragic Accident in Western Kenya Claims the Lives of 48 People
At least 48 people were killed and many more injured in a devastating road accident in Londiani, western Kenya, on Friday evening. The accident occurred when a lorry carrying a shipping container veered off the road and collided with several vehicles, according to police and witnesses at the scene.
The aftermath of the accident was captured in footage broadcasted by local media, revealing the twisted wreckage of cars, motorbikes, minibuses, and trucks. Survivors recount terrifying moments as they narrowly escaped the oncoming trailer. “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. Otieno described seeing about 20 bodies at the scene and knowing that there were others trapped underneath the vehicle.
The Kenya Red Cross reported that the lorry rammed into more than six vehicles and ran over pedestrians. Over 20 casualties were rushed to local hospitals for treatment. Regional police commander Tom Odera confirmed the death toll of 48 on Friday evening.
The accident has caused profound grief and mourning throughout Kenya. President William Ruto expressed his condolences to the families affected, saying, “The country mourns with the families who have lost loved ones in a horrific road accident in Londiani. It is distressing that some of the fatalities are young people with a promising future and business people who were on their daily chores.”
This tragic incident is among the deadliest on Kenya’s roads in recent years. Last year, 34 people lost their lives when a bus veered off a bridge and plunged into a river valley in central Kenya.
Investigations are underway to determine the cause of the accident and whether any negligence or misconduct contributed to the devastating outcome. The government and relevant authorities are urged to take necessary measures to prevent such accidents in the future and ensure the safety of road users.