Deadly Road Accident in Western Kenya Claims 51 Lives and Injures 32, Reports Police and Red Cross

In western Kenya, a tragic road accident has resulted in the loss of at least 51 lives and left 32 individuals injured, according to authorities from the police and Red Cross.

The incident took place on Friday evening at a notorious spot for vehicle collisions near the town of Londiani in the Rift Valley, situated approximately 200 kilometers (125 miles) northwest of Nairobi, the capital city.

Police commander Tom Odera, speaking to The Big Big News, stated that a truck collided with multiple vehicles and market traders, causing the devastating loss of life.

At the accident scene, law enforcement officers counted a total of 51 bodies, but there were concerns that additional individuals might be trapped amidst the wreckage.

The Kenya Red Cross Society, which provided an update on Saturday, revealed that 32 people were injured and receiving treatment at hospitals. They appealed to Kenyans for blood donations. Rescue efforts were hindered by heavy rainfall, and some individuals remained trapped inside the damaged vehicles.

Transport Minister Kipchumba Murkomen visited the site on Saturday morning and pledged that the government would relocate markets away from highways to prevent similar accidents from occurring in the future.

President William Ruto expressed his condolences to the bereaved families via a tweet, describing the accident as “distressing” and urging motorists to exercise extra caution.

Eyewitnesses quoted in local media accounts recounted that the truck veered off the main highway, colliding with multiple vehicles, pedestrians, and traders. Disturbing images of mangled vehicle wreckage were shared by witnesses, illustrating the severity of the incident.

Rescue operations, initially initiated on Friday, were planned to continue throughout the night, according to the police.

To assist those affected, the Kenyan Red Cross Society established stations at hospitals where individuals could report missing loved ones. They also provided psychological support to those in need.