Road accident in Kenya: a truck loses control, at least 52 dead

This road accident, one of the worst in Kenya for several years, was caused when a truck lost control and collided with several other vehicles at a busy crossroads. It occurred in the town of Londiani, on a highway linking Nakuru and Kericho. According to the authorities, more than 30 people were injured. The truck crashed into cars, minibuses, motorcycle cabs and market stalls.

 

The truck was speeding and honking," explained witness Maureen Jepkoech. "It tried to avoid several vehicles before ending up in the middle of the market". "The accident happened in an instant," said another witness, Joel Rotich. "Many didn't have time to flee. There was enormous confusion: people were shouting and running all around ».

 

New safety measures will be introduced after this "terrible" and "painful" tragedy, Transport Minister Kipchumba Murkomen told reporters on the spot. According to the Kenya National Transport and Safety Authority, 4,690 people died in road accidents last year.