July 1st 2023.
On Friday evening, tragedy struck in western Kenya when a truck veered off the road at a busy junction and rammed into several other vehicles and pedestrians. According to local police commander Geoffrey Mayek, at least 48 people were killed and 30 more were seriously injured.
The accident occurred on the highway between the towns of Kericho and Nakuru near Londiani. Peter Otieno, a driver who survived the crash, described the horrific scene he witnessed. "I saw a speeding oncoming trailer. I swerved and escaped hitting him head-on. The person 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. I saw about 20 bodies with my own eyes. There were other bodies that were under the vehicle."
Heavy rains are hampering rescue operations, making it difficult for first responders to carry out their work. The Kenya Red Cross reported that the lorry rammed more than six vehicles and ran over pedestrians, and more than 20 casualties were taken to local hospitals.
Kenyan President William Ruto expressed his condolences, 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." Kericho governor Erick Mutai echoed his sentiments, saying "My heart is crushed. It is a dark moment for the people of Kericho. My heart goes out to the families who have just lost their loved ones."
This accident is one of the most deadly on Kenya's roads in recent years. Last year, 34 people died in central Kenya when their bus veered off a bridge and plunged into a river valley. It is a painful reminder of the dangers of driving and the need for all drivers to be extra careful on the road.
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