Aftermath of a tragic traffic accident at Londiani Junction area along the Kericho-Nakuru Highway in Kericho County, Kenya, on Saturday. The incident resulted in the death of 52 people and hospitalization of 35 others. The photo captures people searching through the wreckage. (Photo by EPA-EFE/STR)
July 1 (UPI) — A devastating accident occurred at a highway junction in Kenya’s western Rift Valley, claiming the lives of at least 52 people. The incident took place when a truck lost control, colliding with pedestrians and parked vehicles, according to authorities on Saturday.
In addition to the fatalities, 35 individuals are currently being treated in nearby hospitals near the accident site at Londiani Junction, as confirmed by Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murokomen to national broadcaster KBC.
According to Londiani police, the accident occurred early Friday evening when a truck traveling along the Kericho-Nakuru Highway, approximately 130 miles northwest of Nairobi, veered off the road. The truck struck four “matatu” minibuses, two other trucks, a personal car, and a full-sized bus.
As the truck careened through the junction, it tragically hit pedestrians, business people, and other vehicles before coming to a stop.
Witnesses reported to the police that the truck driver lost control while attempting to avoid a bus that had stopped in the traffic lane due to mechanical issues.
“The country mourns with the families who have lost loved ones in a horrific road accident in Londiani, Kericho County,” expressed Kenyan President William Ruto in a Tweet. “It is distressing that some of the fatalities are young people with a promising future and business people who were on their daily chores.”
The Kenyan leader shared his prayers for the swift recovery of the survivors and urged motorists to exercise extra caution on the roads, especially during heavy rainfall.
In the wake of the accident, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki ordered local police departments across the country to intensify the enforcement of traffic rules.
“The fatal road accident at Londiani Junction in Kericho County this Friday evening is a tragedy that marks a dark end to the month of June 2023,” he stated in a media statement issued to media outlets.
“Police officers across the country are directed to firmly enforce traffic rules and apprehend all offenders who violate traffic regulations, including but not limited to those driving defective and unroadworthy vehicles,” he added.
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