On Tuesday, September 3, 2024, a tragic road accident occurred on the Londiani-Muhoroni Highway in Kericho County, Kenya, resulting in the deaths of at least 13 people.
The collision involved a trailer and a 14-seater matatu passenger vehicle in the Kipsitet area of Koguta.
According to eyewitness reports and police investigations, the accident occurred when the trailer driver lost control of his vehicle and swerved into the oncoming lane.
The trailer then collided head-on with the matatu, which was traveling towards Kisumu.
The impact of the crash devastated the matatu, completely crushing it.
Photos from the scene depicted a gruesome sight, with the vehicle’s body dismantled and only fragments of seats remaining.
The trailer, on the other hand, sustained minimal damage.
Police and civilian onlookers rushed to the scene to assist the victims and secure the area. Sadly, 13 occupants of the matatu, including the driver, died on the spot.
The authorities transported the bodies to the St Vincent Mission Hospital morgue for identification.
Three survivors, a child and two adults, were discovered among the wreckage. Emergency responders quickly transported them to Muhoroni sub-county hospital for urgent medical treatment due to their critical injuries.
The trailer driver, however, managed to flee the scene unharmed, prompting the police to launch a manhunt for him.
The treacherous terrain and sharp turns of the Londiani-Muhoroni Highway may have contributed to the driver’s inability to maintain control of the vehicle.
The tragic incident has left the local community in shock and mourning. Families have gathered at the hospital morgue to identify their loved ones, while the injured survivors are receiving medical attention.
The Kenyan government has expressed its condolences to the families of the victims.It has promised to investigate the accident thoroughly.
Road safety has been a major concern in the country, with numerous accidents occurring on highways due to various factors such as reckless driving, poor road conditions, and inadequate safety measures.