Kenya: At least 48 people killed in truck crash on busy highway | world news
At least 48 people were killed in western Kenya after a truck went off the road at a busy intersection, hitting several vehicles and pedestrians.
Footage of the aftermath of the accident, broadcast by local stations, showed twisted wrecks of cars and motorcycles, and damaged minibuses and trucks.
“So far we can confirm 48 dead and we suspect one or two are still trapped under the truck,” local police commander Geoffrey Mayek said after the crash on Friday night.
“Thirty people were seriously injured and taken to different hospitals. “The numbers could be higher, but for now we’re sure it’s around 30.”
The accident happened on the highway between the towns of Kericho and Nakuru near Londiani in western Kenya.
According to local media reports, heavy rains are hampering rescue operations.
“I saw an oncoming trailer coming at high speed. I dodged and escaped when I hit him head-on. The person standing behind me thought I was going to buy something. He overtook me and got hit in the process. “The trailer went off the road and crashed into other vehicles,” said Peter Otieno, a driver.
“I saw about 20 bodies with my own eyes.” “There were other bodies under the vehicle.”
According to the Kenya Red Cross, the truck hit more than six vehicles and ran over pedestrians. More than 20 injured people were taken to local hospitals, according to the Red Cross.
“The country mourns with the families who lost loved ones in a horrific road accident in Londiani,” Kenyan President William Ruto tweeted.
“It is worrying that some of the fatalities are young people with bright futures and business people going about their daily business.”
The accident is one of the deadliest on Kenya’s roads in recent years. Last year, 34 people died in central Kenya when their bus went off a bridge and into a river valley.
“My heart is broken,” Kericho Governor Erick Mutai said on Facebook. “It is a dark moment for the people of Kericho.” “My condolences to the families who have just lost loved ones.”
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