A tragic accident involving a truck and several cars has shocked Kenya, leaving a total of 51 people dead and 32 injured, according to reports from local authorities.
The events occurred on Friday night in a merchants’ market, an area where vehicle accidents are very common in the city of Londiani, about 125 miles northwest of the capital, Nairobi.
So far, multiple hospitalizations have been reported, and officials counted at least 51 fatalities, but more people were believed to be trapped in the rubble, Rift Ballet Police Commander Tom Odera told The Associated. Press.
Meanwhile, the Kenya Red Cross said on Saturday that 32 people were injured, being taken to hospitals, and asked people to donate blood to help some of the injured.
The accident reportedly happened after a trailer lost control, crashed into six other vehicles and struck a pedestrian. Rescuers’ response to the accident was hampered by heavy rains and people still trapped in the rubble, the Red Cross said.
Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Home and National Administration Kithure Kindiki urged greater enforcement of traffic rules so that a similar accident does not happen again.
“The fatal traffic accident at Londiani Junction in Kericho County this Friday night is a tragedy that marks a dark end to the month of June 2023. Heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of those who died. Speedy recovery to all the survivors of the accident, who are receiving medical care at various facilities in Kericho and Nakuru counties,” Kindiki said. “I urge all road users to strictly adhere to the rules of the road. I particularly call on drivers to exercise extreme caution and desist from speeding, overloading, and driving in a dangerous or careless manner.”
The official said that police officers across Kenya should firmly enforce traffic rules, and to hold all violators who break them, including but not limited to those who drive faulty and unroadworthy motor cars. route.
It was learned that the transport minister, Kipchumba Murkoven, visited the site of the accident, and announced that the government will relocate markets away from the roads to avoid accidents like the ones that occurred on Friday.
Meanwhile, the Red Cross has set up stations in hospitals where people can report missing loved ones, saying they will provide psychological support to those affected.
With information from Fox News
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