June 30, 2023, 10:54 PM
June 30, 2023, 10:54 PM
At least 48 people died this Fridays (30.07.2023) in a collision in western Kenya between a truck and various vehicles, reported the police of this East African country.
“We can currently confirm the death of 48 people and we believe that a or two more are still trapped under the truck” after the accident that occurred on the highway between the cities of Kericho and Nakuro, police commander Geoffrey Mayek said.
“Thirty people were seriously injured and They were transferred to various hospitals. The number could be higher, but at the moment we’re only sure it’s 30,” she added.
The heavy rains are hampering rescue operationsthe local Red Cross reported.
Tom Mboya Odero, commander of the Rift Valley regional police, said the truck traveling in the direction of Kericho “lost control and hit eight vehicles, several motorcycles, people who were on the side of the road, vendors and other people who were in other businesses.
Ruto expressed his condolences
Kenyan President William Ruto expressed his condolences after the accident, which took place around 6:30 p.m. (15:30 GMT) in a crowded area.
“It’s a shame that some of the fatalities are youngs with a promising future and businessmen who were in their daily chores,” he said on Twitter.
Images broadcast by local televisions showed several vehicles destroyed.
“It is a moment dark for the population of Kericho. My heart goes out to the families who have just lost loved ones,” Kericho Governor Erick Mutai said on Facebook.
The number of people killed in road accidents in Kenya has risen in recent years, according to government data.
