Tragedy struck a bustling junction in western Kenya on Friday as a truck, seemingly out of control, careened into a multitude of vehicles and pedestrians, leaving a devastating toll of at least 48 fatalities.
The aftermath of the harrowing incident, captured vividly on television screens, revealed a scene of sheer devastation, with twisted remains of minivans strewn amidst an overturned truck, while rescue workers valiantly scoured the area for potential survivors trapped under the wreckage.
Confirming the grim news, local police commander Geoffrey Mayek conveyed, “So far we can confirm 48 dead, and we fear that one or two individuals may still be trapped beneath the weighty truck.”
Mayek further disclosed that approximately 30 people had sustained severe injuries, requiring immediate medical attention, with an ominous warning that the casualty count might climb higher.
According to Tom Mboya Odero, the Rift Valley’s regional police commander, the truck, en route to Kericho, “lost control and forcefully collided with eight vehicles, motorcycles, bystanders, street vendors, and individuals engaged in various businesses.”
The incident transpired along the well-known Londiani junction, a bustling area frequented by locals and travellers alike.
In the wake of this heart-wrenching catastrophe, Kenyan leaders, including President William Ruto, expressed their condolences to the bereaved.
Transport Minister Kipchumba Murkomen took to Twitter, assuring that rescue efforts would be followed by thorough investigations to ascertain the root cause of this tragic crash.
Collins Kipkoech, a senior medical practitioner at Kericho County Hospital, shared the sombre news that their morgue had already received 45 lifeless bodies, while additional victims were being transported to other medical facilities.
The rescue operations continued tirelessly, despite being impeded by torrential downpours, as reported by the Kenyan Red Cross, which dispatched ambulances and rescue personnel to the scene.
A witness, Maureen Jepkoech, recounted the horrifying sequence of events, stating, “The truck was hurtling at an alarming speed, blaring its horn. It swerved desperately to avoid colliding with several vehicles before plowing straight into the market.”
Another survivor, reflecting on her fortune, shared, “All I can say is that I am fortunate to be alive. I witnessed the catastrophic incident and managed to escape by fleeing. I am simply blessed.”
The gravity of the situation was further echoed by one witness who remarked, “I have witnessed an incredibly distressing scene—a landscape marred by lifeless bodies and pools of blood. Far too many lives have been tragically cut short.”
