At least 51 people were killed and 30 others injured in a major traffic accident that occurred in western Kenya on Friday evening. The incident took place when a truck collided with several vehicles and pedestrians on a heavily trafficked road.
Police spokesperson Jeffrey Maik reported that the accident happened at a busy intersection on the highway between the cities of Kericho and Nakuru.
The local police commander in the Rift Valley region, Tom Mboya Odero, provided details of how the tragedy unfolded. The truck driver, en route to Kericho, lost control of the vehicle, crashing into eight vehicles, several motorcycles, and individuals standing at the roadside. The impact of the collision resulted in a high number of casualties, with 45 bodies being transported to the main Kericho hospital. Others were taken to different medical institutions for treatment.
Road accidents continue to pose a significant challenge in Africa, and Kenya is no exception. The National Transport and Safety Authority reported that 4,690 people lost their lives in road accidents in the country last year. This recent incident highlights the need for increased road safety measures and awareness campaigns to prevent such tragedies from recurring.
The Kenyan Red Cross promptly responded to the scene, but rescue efforts were hindered by heavy rainfall. As Africa strives to improve road safety, it is crucial to address issues such as speeding, vehicle maintenance, and proper driver training to safeguard lives on the continent’s roadways.