At least 48 people were killed and many others injured in a road accident on a highway in Kericho (Kenya), western Kenya, a police official said. A road accident in Londiani, western Kenya has claimed at least 48 lives
Rift Valley Regional Police Commander Tom Odero said on Friday that the accident happened at 6:30 p.m. A truck driver lost control and rammed into pedestrians, hawkers and some vehicles parked on the roadside in Kericho County.
“We have about 48 bodies, and the number may rise,” Odero told Xinhua by phone, adding that many victims were still trapped inside vehicles and under other trucks.
— A road accident in Londiani, western Kenya has claimed at least 48 lives after a lorry carrying a shipping container veered off the road and collided with multiple vehicles. pic.twitter.com/FLOf3dJjGf
— OFF-AIR (@OffAirNewsRoom) July 1, 2023
“Heavy rain at the scene has slowed rescue efforts,” Odero added. According to police, the truck was heading towards Kericho town before it lost control and veered off the road on the Nakuru-Kericho highway, Xinhua News Agency reported.
According to the National Transport and Safety Authority, approximately 3,000 Kenyans die in road accidents in Kenya annually despite concerted efforts by the state and private sector to promote safety on highways.